Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager died in a lake.

The body of Nicolae Topa, from Chigwell, was found by police at Fairlop Waters on Monday July 4.

Nicolae was out with friends when he entered the water at the east London park alone at around 12.30am. The alarm was raised after he failed to return to shore.

After searches throughout the day, the 17-year-old’s body was discovered later that evening by specialist divers.

His family were informed and are being supported. An inquest will be held with his death currently being treated by police as “unexpected”.

Epping Forest Guardian: A Google Maps image of Fairlop WatersA Google Maps image of Fairlop Waters

Detective Inspector Sean Treweek said: “This is an utterly tragic incident which has left Nicolae’s family and friends understandably devastated.

“I know Fairlop Waters is popular for fishing and I would ask anyone who was there on the evening of Sunday July 3 into the early hours of July 4 and may have heard or seen Nicolae in the water to get in contact so we can build as complete a picture of his last moments as possible.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD173/4July.