Police are continuing to investigate following the death of two men in the North Sea as they saved children who got into difficulty.

Cleveland Police said two other men had also gone into the sea to help the children, but had managed to get out of the water safely.

The tragedy struck at around 3.45pm on Sunday (Jul 12) at Seaton Carew beach, near Hartlepool.

Two children had gotten into trouble in the water before the two men entered to save them.

The children were taken to hospital to be checked over as a precaution, however the two men were brought out of the water by the RNLI a short time later and pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from Cleveland Police said: “Both children were taken to hospital for checks as a precaution, however, two men were brought out of the water by the RNLI and sadly they were pronounced dead a short time later.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent Helen Wilson said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the incident in Seaton Carew yesterday.

“We are continuing to carry out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and officers are supporting the families involved in this incident.”