Pictured: teenager, 14, who drowned in the Thames trying to cool off in the heat

The devastated parents of a teenager who drowned after taking a dip in the Thames to “cool off” have revealed he couldn’t swim and hated being in the water.

Brian Sasu, 14, pictured for the first time, was with friends on Tagg’s Island in southwest Hampton London on Monday afternoon when temperatures reached 37C when he got into trouble and went missing in the Thames.

Police immediately launched a search using specially trained officers and equipment and eventually found his body late Tuesday afternoon.

The boy’s heartbroken father, George Sasu, told MailOnline: “Brian couldn’t swim, he hated being in the water. He only liked playing football and showed no interest in water sports.

“We are all devastated, this is like a nightmare. At the moment we are awaiting further details from the police. This is a very difficult time for us.’

Brian Sasu, 14, pictured for the first time, was with friends at Tagg’s Island in Hampton, south-west London on Monday afternoon when temperatures hit 37C when he got into trouble and went missing in the Thames

Mr Sasu revealed he was last in touch with the UK around 2.30pm on Monday but did not tell him he was going for a swim in the Thames with friends.

He yelled, “Brian didn’t tell me anything. He just said I’m hanging out with some friends because their school finished early. If he had told me he was going swimming I wouldn’t have allowed him because I know he can’t swim.

‘That’s probably why he didn’t tell me what he was doing. I think Brian went in the water because of the heat and peer pressure. And it has led to this terrible tragedy.’

Brian’s mother Leticia, 50, sobbed: “I haven’t been able to sleep or eat since that incident. My son only had a few basic swimming lessons in elementary school but never enjoyed it and never really learned how to swim.

“I can’t think straight and this whole thing has left me and destroyed the family.”

Mr. Sasu and his wife warned other parents to be aware of the dangers of their children swimming during the heatwave.

Mr Sasu said, “It’s very hot right now and many youngsters just want to play in the water to cool off. But I don’t want another family to experience what we’re going through.

Police immediately launched a search using specially trained officers and equipment and eventually found his body late Tuesday afternoon

“Parents and children need to be aware of the dangers of swimming in open water where there are no lifeguards or facilities. And if there are kids like my son Brian who can’t swim at all, please stay out of the water.”

Brian, who had two siblings, a sister, 17, and a younger brother, 9, attended St Mark’s Roman Catholic School in Hounslow, west London, where a special meeting was held today following news of his disappearance.

A classmate of his, who asked not to be named, said: “The whole school is in shock and we have been told to pray for Brian and his family. That hit us all hard.

Police immediately launched a search using specially trained officers and equipment and eventually found his body late Tuesday afternoon.

“Brian was a very popular student who was always laughing and joking and nobody has a bad word to say about him. Many of his classmates cried and are very upset about what happened.

Brian is believed to have gone to Tagg’s Island with a group of school friends after the school closed early due to excessive heat.

After the extensive search, Richmond Police in south west London tweeted: “We are sad to report that the body of a 14 year old boy was recovered from the River Thames this afternoon. Our thoughts are with his family, who are supported by officers.”