Biker escort at funeral of boy who died in river

Dozens of motorcycles, trucks and supercars formed an escort at the funeral of an 11-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in a river.

Mackenzie Swift went missing in the River Don in Mexborough on 30 May and his body was recovered on 2 June.

A service took place earlier at the town's St John the Baptist Church. Bev Chapman, who attended, said: "I've worked in this area for a long time, I know everybody and I feel a sense of community spirit, we all pull together in times of need."

A final inquest into Mackenzie's death is due to take place on 16 February next year.

The escort, organised by Mexborough Ride-Outs, featured riders carrying yellow ribbons.

It started at Mexborough Athletic Sports & Social Club and finished at the church ahead of the private service.

Doncaster Coroner's Court previously heard that the cause of Mackenzie's death was yet to be confirmed but a post-mortem examination noted "features in keeping with drowning".

Mackenzie, a pupil at Highwoods Academy in the town, was last seen going into the water near Ferry Boat Lane.

His body was recovered two days later following a search operation involving an underwater team and Mountain Rescue volunteers.

Chapman said: "With Mackenzie's parents, Suzie and [Michael], we have been campaigning now about water safety.

"It's like Mexborough's been in mourning, the whole of the town, everybody just pulls together."

A fundraiser to support Mackenzie's family following his death has raised more than £18,000.

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