A teenager who drowned at a waterfall in the Brecon Beacons in south Wales on Monday has been named as 16-year-old Herve Bola from Woodford Green in Essex.

The boy was visiting the area as part of an activity course organised by a council in east London and had been taking part in adventure sports.

I am so very sad that a young life has been lost

Redbridge council leader Keith Axon

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police revealed that both the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and police have launched an investigation into the incident.

An HSE official was due to visit the site on Tuesday morning.

Police believe he got into difficulty after jumping into the pool at the Scwd y Gladys Falls near Glynneath at around 1430BST.

Members of the group tried to help him in the water, while others went to a local public house to call for help.

Two South Wales police officers called to the incident also jumped in the pool to try to rescue him but, despite getting him out of the water he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy was taken by ambulance to Neath General Hospital.

A statement by Redbridge Council said the teenager had been attending a centre owned by the borough.

"The group of young people were taking part in a day of outdoor activities," said the statement.

Sympathy

"Despite the efforts of several people to assist him, including Redbridge staff and other people at the scene, the young man drowned.

"The Glasbury Outdoor Centre has been in operation for almost 40 years and no accidents of this nature have occurred during that time.

"The councillors and staff at Redbridge Council are shocked to hear that a young man attending its Glasbury Outdoor Centre has died."

The leader of Redbridge council, Keith Axon, said: "I am so very sad that a young life has been lost I can only say that I deeply sympathise with his family and everyone who knew him.

"This tragic situation will deeply affect everyone who knows of the centre and those who have enjoyed all that it has to offer."

Walkers

The waterfall, known locally as the "Lady Waterfall", is part of the Ystradfellte waterfalls in Glynneath.

The area is popular with walkers for its caves, rivers and gorges.

Last August, and less than two miles away, a college trip to nearby waterfalls ended in the death of 17-year-old Jason Dalton.

The teenager was on a field trip as part of a personal development and confidence-building course when he drowned in a swollen river.