A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, Dorset Police said.

It came after emergency services attended the 'multi-agency' incident earlier today.

Dorset Police said they received a report from paramedics at around 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon of people requiring assistance on the beach off Bournemouth Pier.

Ten people were recovered from the water but the 17-year-old boy and12-year-old girl had suffered critical injuries.

Police said they were taken to hospital but later died, their families have been informed.

The other eight people were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

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.

"We are at the early stages of our investigation and would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident."