Dorset Police have confirmed that two children who died after sustaining “critical injuries” at Bournemouth beach yesterday were not related.
In a press briefing, assistant chief constable Rachel Farrell said a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton lost their lives after being pulled from the sea.
Eight other people were rescued from the sea but did not have serious injuries and were treated by ambulance on scene, she said.
“I would sincerely like to thank members of the public who helped people in trouble in the water.
“I’m also very grateful to the wider beach-goers who really quickly moved from the beach and allowed emergency services to do their work,” she said.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Police also confirmed there was “no physical contact” between a vessel and any swimmers at Bournemouth beach yesterday, and added that there is “no suggestion of people jumping from the pier or jet skis being involved”.
