A 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy have died following an incident off Bournemouth beach.
Dorset Police said officers were called to the beach by paramedics at around 4.30pm on Wednesday (May 31) to reports of 'people requiring assistance on the beach off Bournemouth Pier'. Emergency services responded and 10 people were recovered from the water.
The force said that a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl sustained 'critical injuries' and later sadly died in hospital. The other eight people were treated for injuries that are not life-threatening.
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An investigation has been launched and a man - aged in his 40s - who was on the water at the time, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan, of Dorset Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young people who tragically died and we are doing all we can to support their families.
"I understand the beach was very busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to please come forward. We are at the early stages of our investigation and would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident."
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said the incident was a 'salutary lesson' that 'danger is ever present' on beaches and the ocean. "Thoughts with everyone associated with the dreadful events unfolding in Bournemouth this evening," he said.
"A salutary lesson that our beaches and ocean can give much pleasure but danger is ever present. Thanks to the Life Guards and the Air Ambulance who we can take for granted."
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