UPDATED: Teenager and 12 year-old confirmed dead after Bournemouth beach incident
A man's been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
Last updated 1st Jun 2023
An investigation is underway in Bournemouth into the death of a 17 year-old boy and a 12 year-old girl following an incident in the water off the pier.
Police were called by the ambulance service requesting assistance to the beach at 4.32pm on Wednesday 31st May.
Emergency services attended and 10 people were rescued from the water.
A 17 year-old boy and a 12 year-old girl sustained critical injuries and were taken to hospital, where sadly they later died.
Their families have been informed.
No physical contact between a vessel and swimmers
Dorset Police have released an additional statement this morning.
A spokesperson said:
"We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that occurred yesterday resulting in the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy.
"We are working with partner agencies to understand what has caused the tragedy.
"However, early investigation indicates that there was no physical contact between a vessel and any swimmers at the time of the incident. We are investigating the circumstances that caused a number of swimmers to get into difficulty."
The other eight people were treated by the ambulance service for injuries which are not life-threatening.
Dorset Police is now working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to work out what happened.
A man in his 40s, who was on the water at the time of the incident, 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.”