The River Ebbw was swollen by heavy rain

A 12-year-old boy has died after being swept down a river in south Wales.

Rhys Jones, from Rogerstone, died after he and three friends all fell into the River Ebbw at Rhiwderin near Newport, on Saturday.

Police officers called to the scene pulled him out and tried to resuscitate him, but the Bassaleg Comprehensive School pupil was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

One of the boys struggled to the bank and was able to raise the alarm at a nearby farm.

Two others also got out and were discovered in fields on the alongside the river.

It was an extremely risky operation and those police officers are to be commended for their actions Peter Fouweather, Gwent Police

The fourth boy was later found, still in the river, by police officers searching the river bank.

After attempts to resuscitate him at the scene, he was taken to hospital by ambulance, but it was later confirmed that he had died.

Police are appealing for information to try to found out how the boys ended up in the water.

A spokesman said: "An inquiry has commenced into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and the circumstances of the boys entering the water."

He said additional rain and wind would have made the fast-running river more dangerous.

Earlier, Chief Inspector Peter Fouweather, of Gwent Police, said the officers involved in the attempted rescue had shown bravery.

He added: "The police officers who were searching the river bank saw the young boy in the river.

The children fell into the River Ebbw, at Rhiwderin

"With little thought for their own safety they entered what was a fast-flowing and dangerous river and dangerous river and managed to bring the boy to the bank.

"It was an extremely risky operation and those police officers are to be commended for their actions.

"They were extremely brave."

Police, ambulance, coastguard and fire crews were involved in the operation, while a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor in Devon was scrambled to help in the search.

The rescue took place as strong winds and heavy rain lashed Wales on Saturday.