All boat trips suspended from Bournemouth pier following deaths of boy, 17, and girl, 12

All boat operations have been suspended from Bournemouth pier following the death of two young swimmers last week, the local council has announced.

A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council spokesperson announced the "precautionary" move, "pending a conclusion to the police investigation".

"We are aware the investigation is complex and will consult with Dorset Police when the investigation is complete," they added.

Sunnah Khan, 12, and 17-year-old Joe Abbess died after getting into difficulty in the water on Wednesday, while another eight people were injured.

An inquest in Bournemouth on Monday heard the pair had drowned amid a "suggestion" they got caught in a riptide.

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.

Officers said both youngsters were rescued from the sea, but later died in hospital.

Joe was from Southampton while Sunnah was from Buckinghamshire.

Police said they were keeping an "open mind" about the circumstances that led to the deaths.

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Bournemouth victims died of drowning amid 'suggestions' they got caught in riptide

Joe's family said in a statement: "We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed."

Writing on Twitter, Stephanie Williams said of her daughter Sunnah: "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."

Dorset Police have impounded the pleasure cruiser Dorset Belle at its berth in Poole Harbour following the fatal incident.

The force has said it is continuing to investigate the circumstances involving the 49-year-old boat, which has a capacity of 80 passengers, as well as the weather and sea conditions at the time of the incident.