All boat operations have been suspended from Bournemouth Pier following the death of a girl, 12, and a boy, 17, last week.

Sunnah Khan, 12, from High Wycombe and Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton died following an incident in the water at Bournemouth beach last Wednesday, May 31. 

An inquest held on Monday, June 5 heard that the two children died of "drowning" following "suggestions" they were caught in a riptide near Bournemouth Pier.

Dorset Police said they were keeping an "open mind" about the circumstances of the incident and were examining wind, weather and coastal conditions as part of their ongoing inquiries. 

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council announced this afternoon (May 6) that all boat operations had been suspended from Bournemouth Pier. 

A spokesperson for the council said: "All boat operations from the pier have been suspended as a precaution, 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." 

Sunnah's mother Stephanie Williams paid tribute to her daughter on Twitter, describing the 12-year-old as "beautiful" and "so well loved and well liked". 

A representative from Bourne End Academy, the school Sunnah attended, said: “As a student, Sunnah grew in confidence over her first 10 months at Bourne End. She developed a bold and happy personality which resonated through the school community.

“Her energetic character and fierce sense of loyalty meant that she had built strong and positive relationships with her peers and teachers. She will be enormously missed.

“Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time and in due course we will share details of a fitting memorial for Sunnah.”