A 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday have been named by Dorset Police as Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan.

Another eight people were injured in the incident.

Joe was from Southampton while Sunnah was from Buckinghamshire, the force said.

A man in his 40s who was “on the water” at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and was released under investigation on Thursday while police inquiries continue.

Joe’s family issued a tribute to him through Dorset Police, saying: “We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed.

“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 received a report from paramedics at about 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon of people requiring assistance on the beach near to Bournemouth Pier.

Emergency services attended the scene and 10 people were recovered from the water.

The force said Joe and Sunnah were rescued from the sea, but both died later in hospital.