BCP Council has issued an apology over a “crass” art installation following a complaint made by the families of the children who died on Bournemouth beach.

High Wycombe schoolgirl Sunnah Khan, 12, and 17 year old Joe Abbess, from Southampton, died following an incident off Bournemouth beach on May 31.

The move to dismantle the 15 metre-high mirrored archway follows a complaint by Vanessa Abbess, Joe’s mother, who described it as “disrespectful”.

She said in a statement: “As a family, we were shocked and astounded to see news reports of the disrespectful ‘Arts by the Sea’ installation at the Bournemouth beach yesterday.

“The ‘Portal of Hope’ was badly located and thoughtless, as it frames the area of sea where our son Joe and Sunnah Khan got into difficulties.

“In addition, it is sited on the area of beach where emergency services cared for all casualties on May 31 and the tragic circumstances unfolded. This is not a suitable area to celebrate the sea or to place a tourist attraction."

Bucks Free Press: Portal on Bournemouth beach this morning

The parent added: “We emailed BCP Council, as owners of the beach, to express our distress and upset yesterday evening. We fully appreciate that this project may have been planned for many months, but due to the tragic circumstances and ongoing inquest, we feel this (is) entirely unsuitable and plans could have been easily adjusted in the last 17 weeks.

“Last night, Graham Farrant (council chief executive) confirmed the installation would be immediately shut down/relocated. We are grateful that BCP Council have acted so quickly, but feel with a little consideration and respect to Joe, Sunnah and both families, this could have been avoided.”

Mr Farrant said the installation was being removed and apologised to the families.

Graham Farrant, chief executive of BCP Council, said: “We are deeply sorry for such a crass mistake which clearly should never have happened. We have extended an unreserved apology to the families for causing further upset at what is undoubtedly already a distressing time.

“Work is underway to close down the installation and we will review our internal processes to understand how this happened and what changes need to be made to avoid this from happening again.”

The 15m Portal structure was put in place near Bournemouth Pier on Thursday as part of Arts by the Sea Festival.

It had been due to be in place until next Wednesday, October 4.

Arts by the Sea has been contacted for a comment.