Teenage girl, 13, confirmed dead after getting into difficulty in water at UK seaside town

A girl has died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Whitley Bay. Edie Smart, 13, was rescued from the water near the North Tyneside town's beach four days ago. Police were called to reports of concern for a girl's welfare just before 5pm on July 24.

After she was pulled from the sea, Edie, from the town's Monkseaton neighbourhood, was taken to hospital where despite the best efforts of medics she died on Monday (July 28), according to police.

Northumbria Police said Edie's next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

Det Ch Ins Emma Smith from the force said: "This is an extremely tragic incident, and our deepest condolences go to Edie's family and friends."

She said specially trained officers will continue to provide the family with the support they need at this time.

Ms Smith added: "We ask that their privacy be respected as they begin to come to terms with the loss of their loved one."

Northumbria Police asked that the family's privacy continues to be respected at this "devastating" time and that their wishes are respected.