04 June 2023 , 22:55
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The heartbroken parents of a girl killed in Bournemouth have demanded police tell them what happened to their daughter.
Sunnah Khan, 12, was killed in the tragedy last Wednesday along with 17-year-old Joseph Abbess, from Southampton.
Eight other people were rescued at the scene and treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.
A police investigation into the circumstances of the deaths is ongoing, and on Friday the force impounded a pleasure boat known as the Dorset Belle in connection with the incident.
Now Sunnah’s mother Stephanie Williams, 32, has paid tribute to her little girl who had been swimming near the pier with her siblings at the time and says she still doesn't know exactly what happened.
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It comes as police say they are keeping an "open mind" about the circumstances that led to the death of the two youngsters who got into difficulty in the water.
Police are investigating the cause of Wednesday's tragedy (PA)She told the Sun : “It’s just really difficult to accept, somebody has potentially caused Sunnah to be taken away from us.
“The police have only told us what they said in a statement.
“The cause of death was drowning, there were no other injuries.”
Sunnah's funeral was held at the Central Mosque in High Wycombe on Saturday and was attended by more than 200 friends and family.
Joe Abbess, 17, also died in the disaster (PA)Joseph's family earlier said they are 'devastated' by his loss, adding the trainee chef was enjoying his day at the beach before the tragic incident occurred.
They said: "We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed.
“His family and friends will always love him and we are incredibly proud of the fabulous young man he was. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny.
“Joe was a talented trainee chef, with a bright future ahead of him. We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and we are so sorry he will never fulfil his dreams and ambitions.
Witnesses have been urged to come forward (PA)“He was enjoying a day at the beach on Wednesday and we would like to thank his friends and all of the emergency services who helped him, when this tragedy unfolded."
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A man in his 40s, who was "on the water" at the time, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and was released under investigation on Thursday.
Dorset Police said the beach was extremely busy at the time and they are continuing to appeal to witnesses to come forward.
They also urge people to submit any mobile phone or photographic footage to the police major incident portal.
Police have said that neither Sunnah, Joseph or anyone else pulled from the sea at the time of the incident was involved in any collision or contact with any vessel in the water.
A man in his 40s, who was "on the water" at the time, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and was released under investigation on Thursday.
Police said they are aware of "significant speculation" concerning a pleasure boat, which was in the area at the time of the tragedy off Bournemouth Pier.
The force said the investigation is looking at all circumstances of the incident including weather, wind conditions and the state of the water at the time.
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said: "We continue to keep an open mind around the circumstances that have led to the tragic death of two young people in the water off the beach.
"Our thoughts remain with the families of those young people.
"As with any investigation of this nature, we have to look at all factors connected to the state of the water.
"One of those lines of enquiry has involved the pleasure boat, which was in the area at the time of the incident. These enquiries also include examining wind, other weather and general coastal conditions at the time.
"We are working with experts from partner agencies to understand all of the factors and this will take time to establish.
"We continue to support the families of Joe and Sunnah and they are being kept updated by specially trained family liaison officers about our investigation.
"I would ask that the police investigation is allowed to continue without further unhelpful speculation around circumstances of the incident, and that there is respect for the families of those who have died so tragically.
"I would continue to appeal to anyone at the beach at the time who witnessed the incident to come forward and talk to us."