Police 'search Bournemouth beach pleasure boat' after two kids die in water
Police investigating the tragic deaths of two children in Bournemouth this week have sealed off a pleasure boat said to have been making trips at the time, it has been reported.
A 17-year-old boy, from Southampton, Hampshire, and a girl, 12, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, were pulled from the water before being rushed to hospital where they were pronounced dead on Wednesday.
The circumstances remain unclear, however police have confirmed a man in his 40s was detained after the horror incident on North Beach. He has since been released under investigation.
Police are continuing to investigate the tragedy, in which eight other people were treated by paramedics and some taken to hospital.
The Dorset Belle has been impounded by Dorset Police (Alamy Stock Photo)Now Dorset Police have impounded a pleasure boat known as the Dorset Belle, The Times reported.
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A source told the publication: "This vessel is under a police cordon.
"No one is permitted onboard or to touch the vessel.”
The Dorset Belle made numerous trips around Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday - close to the vicinity of the tragedy which claimed two lives.
It has been taken to Poole Harbour and where it is under a police cordon.
During a lunchtime press briefing today, assistant chief constable Rachel Farrell said there was no evidence to suggest "contact between a vessel and swimmers".
The Dorset Belle is under a police cordon in Poole (Alamy Stock Photo)She added: "It is clear yesterday, a number of people already in the water got into difficulty and we are investigating the circumstances or event that caused that to happen.
"Early investigation indicates that there was no physical contact between a vessel and any other swimmers at the time of the incident.
"I can also confirm there is no suggestion of people jumping from the pier or jet skis being involved."
A large group of teenagers had been tombstoning off the Victorian pier into the water at the time while others were swimming under it.
According to one witness, several jet skis were on the water close by at the time.
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RNLI lifeguards rushed into the sea to rescue eight other children who were at risk of being swept away by a sudden and strong undercurrent.
Investigations are ongoing into the incident (PA)A spokesperson for Dorset police 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."
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."
Dorset Police has been asked about the impounding of the Dorset Belle.
In a separate incident, this afternoon the force was called to the beach near Bournemouth Pier at 3.02pm after reports of a mass brawl involving around 50 young people.
The police said one person was detained and another was treated for minor injuries.
The young people involved in the brawl reportedly had "bats and weapons", it has been claimed on social media.
Andy Martin, who witnessed yesterday's tragedy, tweeted: "Can't believe that in the exact same spot on the beach where 2 children died yesterday, there's a massive brawl involving 50 youths with bats and weapons."
Dorset Police said in a statement shared with The Mirror: "Dorset Police received a report at 3.02pm of a disturbance involving a large number of young people on the beach near to Bournemouth Pier.
"Officers attended and one person was detained in connection with the incident.
"At this time one person has been treated for minor injuries and no further injuries have been reported.
"Enquiries into the matter are ongoing."
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