The mother of a 12-year-old girl who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach last week says she was “so well loved and well liked”.

Stephanie Williams spoke of her heartbreak on Twitter and shared a picture of her daughter Sunnah Khan.

Joe Abbess, 17, was also killed in the incident and another eight people were injured.

Ms Williams said: “On Wednesday I lost my beautiful daughter at Bournemouth beach.

“Sunnah was so well loved and well liked. No parent should ever have to go through what her dad and I are going through. We love you so much baby girl”.

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 while police inquiries continue.

Police said Joe and Sunnah were rescued from the sea, but both died later in hospital.

Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan: 17-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl who died off Bournemouth beach named by police

Bournemouth beach deaths: Inspections continue of Dorset Belle sightseeing boat

Bournemouth beach deaths: Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter released under investigation

Joe was from Southampton while Sunnah was from Buckinghamshire.

Searches on the sightseeing boat at the centre of the investigation continued over the weekend, as the circumstances around what happened remain unclear.

Joe’s family issued a tribute to him through Dorset Police, saying: “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.”

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Dorset Police received a report from paramedics at about 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon of people requiring assistance on the beach near to Bournemouth Pier.

Emergency services attended the scene and 10 people were recovered from the water.

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