Bodies of missing Dewsbury brothers found off the Lancashire coast

The boys have been named as Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and his younger brother Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, who both live in Dewsbury.

They got into difficulty just before 7pm on Saturday evening, when they were swimming off St Anne's Pier in the resort town of Lytham St Anne's on the Lancashire coast.

Their 15-year-old cousin managed to reach safety and is being treated for hypothermia.

The Coastguard, police and RNLI spent 17 hours searching the sea for the brothers, but the operation was called off on Sunday afternoon. Bodies that are believed to be theirs were recovered later that evening.

Lancashire Constabulary said:

"Sadly, despite searching for a number of hours, our colleagues at HM Coastguard and the RNLI have been unable to find missing brothers Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, from Dewsbury who got into difficulty in water close to St Anne's Pier yesterday evening.

"The search has now been stood down but may reconvene later today. We will provide updates if they are found.

"We were called at just before 6:55pm last night to a concern for their safety. A 15-year-old boy, Muhammed and Ali’s cousin, managed to swim to the shore. He remains in hospital.

"Our HM Coastguard and RNLI colleagues searched the water well into the night and resumed early this morning. They have unfortunately been unsuccessful and both Muhammad and Ali remain missing.

"Their family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

"Our thanks goes to HM Coastguard and the RNLI for their efforts, along with everyone who has offered their support and well wishes."