Teenager dies after being swept into the North Sea

Police are reminding people about the dangers of the sea after a teenager was swept into the water in North Tyneside.

Officers were called at 7.44pm on Saturday, January 16, following concerns about a group of teenagers seen on the north pier at Cullercoats Bay, where the sea was running high.

A group of friends were on the pier, three managed to walk back to safety, a girl of 15, and a boy and girl both aged 14, but the fourth teenager, a 15-year-old girl, was swept into the water by a large wave.

Coastguard and RNLI were called to assist, and a member of the public rescued the teen from the water on the south side of the bay.

She was taken by ambulance to Cramlington Hospital where she later passed away.

The three other teenagers were also taken Cramlington Hospital and are described as well.

Chief Inspector Paul Knox said: "We need to remind people of the danger of the sea, particularly in the dark and cold at this time of year, when tides are high and people can be taken unawares by the strength of the waves and the inherent dangers of the sea.

"People should always be careful around water and if the sea is looking rough with waves pounding onto the pier we would advise people to be particularly cautious and keep their distance."

Police are making enquiries into the incident and anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting log number 974 of 16/01/16.