Woman, 33, and boy, 7, drown in Dandenong Creek in Melbourne

A woman and a young child died after being swept into Dandenong Creek near Allan St, Dandenong at about 3.45pm on Monday, witnesses told police. It is understood the woman, aged 33, was trying to save the seven-year-old child when she also got into difficulty. "Police conducted a search of the area and located the unconscious pair, pulling them from the water and starting CPR," Victoria Police said. "Despite the best efforts of emergency services, they were unable to be revived and declared deceased at the scene." The incident prompted a major emergency response, with one person posting on X that there were "cops and SES everywhere". Police say the pair are believed to be from Doveton. Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said a minute's silence was held and added: "Our hearts go out to those affected by this awful tragedy, including their family, friends and emergency services who attended." Locals said the creek had been running unusually fast after two weeks of heavy rain. Victoria Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. In 2014, three-year-old Ishmael Baqaie died after being swept away in the creek, with his body located about 4km from where he disappeared.