Family tried desperately to save Subhaan, 11, from Rotherham canal

Subhaan Ali was pulled from the water at 10.45am on Thursday. The youngster had just completed primary school and was beginning his summer break when he got into trouble in Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue previously said one of the theories it was looking into was that Subhaan had been taking part in the dangerous craze of Tombstoning - a dangerous activity in which participants jump into water.

At the opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroners Court today coroner Nicola Mundy said: “Subhaan was believed to have been playing with children of a similar age near to the canal when he got into trouble.

“Subhaan was recovered from the canal and there have been a number of inquiries made and a number of witnesses spoken to about the circumstances surrounding his death.”

The alarm was raised when Subhaan, of, Rotherham, slipped under the water and failed to resurface on Thursday evening.

Dozens of friends and relatives raced to the canal to try to help, the inquest heard.

Police and fire service water rescue specialists arrived at the scene at 7pm and spent four hours searching the canal before his body was found.

Subhaan’s family was not present at the opening of the inquest, which has been adjourned until later in the year to allow for further reports to be made.

Det Insp Graham Stead said: “Our deepest sympathies go to Subhaan’s family.

“A thorough and comprehensive investigation is continuing, but I can confirm that there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.

“We will continue to provide support to the family and provide the necessary information to the coroner.”