Two men have died after entering the sea to assist two children who were in difficulty at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool. Cleveland Police were alerted to the incident at 15:45 BST, prompting an emergency response.
The RNLI successfully brought both men out of the water, but they were pronounced dead shortly after being recovered. The children were taken to hospital to be checked over and are confirmed to be safe, the force said. Labour Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash said the town had suffered a “heartbreaking tragedy.”
The Cleveland force said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner. Specially trained officers are providing support to the families of both men during this time.
Supt Glen Wand said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today.” Local political representatives also shared their condolences, with Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash describing the event as a “heartbreaking tragedy.” He noted that there are no words to ease the pain being felt by the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, adding that the entire town is holding them close in their hearts.
Conservative MP for Stockton West, Matt Vickers, also offered his thoughts to the families of the men who lost their lives and to everyone impacted by this tragic occurrence. Do you have a story suggestion for BBC Tyne?
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