Two boys who died after a bank collapsed near a river in the Bay of Plenty township of Kawerau last week have been named by police this evening.
They were 11-year-old Luti Maui Mafi and 10-year-old Paul Mason Lloyd.
A group of children had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the Tarawera River near Boyce Park when the incident occurred around 11.30am on Thursday, April 16.
Two police officers swam across the river after arriving at the scene and "attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands", Inspector Phil Gillbanks said at the time.
"They were soon joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment.
"Tragically, the two local Kawerau boys – aged 10 and 11 – were located deceased."
Gillbanks today said police "are continuing to provide support to the boys’ whānau".
"I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support from the Kawerau community at this incredibly tragic time."
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