A teenage girl and a woman aged in her 40s have died after getting into difficulty in the water at a UK beach.
Incident details
The tragic incident happened at West Mersea beach just after 5.30pm on Wednesday (July 22). A huge emergency response descended on the beach near Seaview Avenue following reports that 'several people had got into difficulty in the water'.
In an update issued today, an Essex Police spokesperson confirmed the teenage girl and woman had sadly died. A third person remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Police statement
All three people are believed to have been known to each other. Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: “Today, our thoughts remain with the family members who are coming to terms with their loss. We are grateful to the people who have already spoken to us and helped with our inquiries.
“We would ask anyone who was at the beach at the time, and who has not yet spoken with officers, to please get in touch, to help us understand what happened.”
Coastguard response
The West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said on Facebook this morning: "We have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our thoughts are with the family involved."
