The police received a call at 8.20pm, and the boy was pronounced dead by paramedics at 8.48pm.

His body was discovered by a passer-by. The boy had apparently gone swimming with his friends at the beach last Friday, said his cousins, who declined to be named.

His family said he did not return home that night. He lived in Marine Parade with his parents, an elder brother and two younger sisters.

At least 10 family members showed up at the park at 11pm last night and his mother was seen crying uncontrollably.

The police are investigating it as a case of unnatural death.

Jamie Ee