Two men who tried to save two children in the sea have died, police said.
Cleveland Police said it was called to Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool at 15:45 BST following reports of two children getting into difficulty in the water.
The force said the men had gone into the water to try to help the children. The RNLI brought the men out of the water and they were both pronounced dead a short time later.
The children were taken to hospital to be checked over and are confirmed to be safe, the force said.
Supt Glen Wand said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today.”
The force said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.
It also said specially trained officers were supporting both the men’s families.
Conservative Stockton West MP Matt Vickers said: “My thoughts are with the families of the men who lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this truly tragic incident.”
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