Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to five-year-old Daniel Alaby who died after being found in the River Thames.

An urgent appeal was launched by police to find Daniel who was last seen playing with his brother at his home in Thamesmead at 5.30pm on March 29.

Just after 6.20pm, officers looking for Daniel found a child in the River Thames.

This Is Local London: Tributes paid to Daniel Alaby Tributes paid to Daniel Alaby (Image: Contributor)

Police administered CPR before the paramedics from the London Ambulance Service arrived.

The child, who is believed to be Daniel, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

He was pronounced dead at hospital later in the evening.

This Is Local London: Tributes paid to Daniel AlabyTributes paid to Daniel Alaby (Image: Contributor)

Tributes have since been paid to Daniel with flowers, handwritten notes, balloons and candles left at the scene of the incident.

One note read: “Sleep in peace Daniel. RIP.”

Another one said: "RIP Daniel. We love you." 

This Is Local London: Tributes paid to Daniel AlabyTributes paid to Daniel Alaby (Image: Contributor)

A neighbour of Daniel’s family, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun that his dad is “in bits”.

They went on to explain that Daniel’s family are confused about how he got out since they lock their doors.

The neighbour also speculated about how no one saw Daniel by the river, as it was a busy time of day.

This Is Local London: Tributes paid to Daniel AlabyTributes paid to Daniel Alaby (Image: Contributor)

If people were around at the time that Daniel was out of the house on his own, the neighbour said that would mean “society has failed him”.

There is no evidence to suggest that any other person was involved, the Met said.

Daniel's family are being supported by police officers.