Boy, 15, who drowned in Beckenham park lake tragedy named as promising young footballer

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to the 15-year-old boy who after getting into difficulties when swimming in a lake this week. Izaiah Smith vanished in broad daylight on Friday while swimming in a lake at Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham, at around 3pm.

Yesterday the confirmed the search for the missing had ended as a body was found. Specialist diving teams were in attendance alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. Officers removed police tape around the lake on Saturday morning, and the force named the teen as Izaiah Smith on Sunday.

On Saturday, the SEDA Academy posted a touching tribute to Izaiah on . The post explained he was a "truly respectful" and "beloved" under 16s player.

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The tribute said: "Izaiah was such a bright light within our programme. Always present at training, he greeted everyone with the most adorable smile. His huge character and infectious energy will be deeply missed by us all. He was a truly respectful young man, always showing kindness and consideration to all the coaches and staff at SEDA Academy.

"We all had so much time for Izaiah. He touched so many lives within our academy family. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We hope they are able to grieve in the way that brings them some comfort.

"The players and coaching staff at SEDA Academy will forever cherish the memories we shared with Izaiah. We hope our dear Izaiah rests peacefully. You will always be in our hearts."

In a statement, Lewisham Council, which manages Beckenham Place Park, said the park had re-opened on Saturday but the lake would remain closed with security in place until further notice.

"We are working closely with the police in order that their investigation establishes the full facts of what’s happened," the council added. "We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Leaving flowers at the scene today, a friend of Izaiah told : "He was always smiling, always. He was so outgoing and sociable too. That's why this is so unexpected he’s just not the kind of person you would expect this to happen to."

The boy’s family have been made aware and are being supported, the Met Police said. Beckenham Place Park spans 98 hectares and contains large areas of woodland as well as lakes. There is a purpose-built swimming lake with depths of up to 3.5 metres.