TWO young people who tragically died on Bournemouth beach last week have been named.

Joe Abbess, a 17-year-old from Southampton, and 12-year-old Sunnah Khan, from Buckinghamshire, died after an incident on the beach on Wednesday, May 31.

A man in his 40s, arrested on Wednesday, has been released under investigation in connection with the incident.

The family of teenager Joe said he was a ‘fabulous young man’.

“We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed,” they said.

“His family and friends will always love him and we are incredibly proud of the fabulous young man he was. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny.

“Joe was a talented trainee chef, with a bright future ahead of him. We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and we are so sorry he will never fulfil his dreams and ambitions.

“He was enjoying a day at the beach on Wednesday and we would like to thank his friends and all of the emergency services who helped him, when this tragedy unfolded.”

Dorset Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward, and to submit mobile phone video or photographic footage through an online portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ23M93-PO1.

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A spokesperson said neither of the deceased young people or anyone else pulled from the sea at the time of the incident, was involved in any collision or contact with any vessel in the water.

They said the investigation was looking at all circumstances of the incident including weather, wind conditions and the state of the water at the time.

As there was a pleasure boat in the area of water, this is just one of several lines of enquiry.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said: “We continue to keep an open mind around the circumstances that have led to the tragic death of two young people in the water off the beach.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of those young people.

Police continue to probe the incident, on Bournemouth beach, on Wednesday, May 31

“As with any investigation of this nature, we have to look at all factors connected to the state of the water. One of those lines of enquiry has involved the pleasure boat, which was in the area at the time of the incident. These enquiries also include examining wind, other weather and general coastal conditions at the time.

“We are working with experts from partner agencies to understand all of the factors and this will take time to establish.

“We continue to support the families of Joe and Sunnah and they are being kept updated by specially trained family liaison officers about our investigation.

“I would ask that the police investigation is allowed to continue without further unhelpful speculation around circumstances of the incident, and that there is respect for the families of those who have died so tragically.

“I would continue to appeal to anyone at the beach at the time who witnessed the incident to come forward and talk to us.”

An inquest into the deaths both Joe and Sunnah is expected to be opened today (June 5) subject to confirmation by HM Coroner.