A 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl have died, and a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following an incident off Bournemouth beach, Dorset Police said.
The force said it received a report from paramedics around 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon of people requiring assistance on the beach off Bournemouth Pier.
Emergency services attended the scene and 10 people were recovered from the water.
The force said a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl suffered “serious injuries” and later died in hospital. While the other eight people were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
An investigation was opened and a man in his 40s, who was on the water at the time, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan, of Dorset Police, said: ‘Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the young people who have tragically died and we are doing everything we can to support their families.
“I understand that the beach was very busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information that could help our requests to please come forward.
“We are in the early stages of our investigation and ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said the incident was a “salutary lesson” that “danger is always present” on beaches and the ocean.
“Thoughts with everyone associated with the appalling events unfolding in Bournemouth tonight,” he said.
“A salutary lesson that our beaches and the ocean can give great pleasure but the danger is always present.
“Thank you to the rescuers and the air ambulance that we can take for granted.”
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