Two men have died after trying to rescue children who had got into difficulty in the sea in Hartlepool.

Police, coastguards, paramedics and the RNLI rushed to the scene at Seaton Carew Beach in County Durham at around 3.45pm today.

After entering the water to try and assist the children, they were both brought out by the RNLI.

Tragically, despite receiving immediate medical attention, both men were pronounced dead a short time later.

The children were deemed safe and were taken to hospital to be checked over. 

The families of the men are being supported by specialist officers from Cleveland Police.

Clevland Police at Seaton Carew Beach in County Durham, where two men died trying to rescue children in the water

Police rushed to the scene as part of a large emergency response including the RNLI, costguards and paramedics 

Superintendent Glen Ward said: ‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today.

‘Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time after being brought out of the sea.

‘We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of what happened today, although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

‘I would like to remind everyone that open water comes with serious risks. We know it is inviting in the hot weather, but we would encourage people to refrain from entering any open water at all. Today we have sadly seen the true tragedy that can happen as a result.

‘Please take extra care and enjoy the warm weather as safely as possible.’