[Ammi]

A 15-year-old girl who was swept out to sea by a large wave in North Tyneside has died.

Police said the sea was "running high" when the girl was washed into the sea from the north pier at Cullercoats Bay at around 7.44pm on Saturday.

The teenager was rescued from the south side of the bay by a member of the public but later died in hospital, said Northumbria Police.

The girl was with other teenagers at the time but her friends, a girl aged 15 and a 14-year-old boy and girl managed to get away safely.

Resident Dr Clare Guilding, who saw the rescue operation, said the "sea was choppy" and it was "bitterly cold" although the weather was clear.

She added that the area was a "well-known place for teenagers to go and hang out".

Before the girl's death was confirmed, Chief Inspector Paul Knox, issued a warning about the danger of the sea at this time of year, "when tides are high and people can be taken unaware by the strength of the waves".

He added: "People should always be careful around water and if the sea is looking rough with waves pounding onto the pier, we would advise people to be particularly cautious and keep their distance."

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/girl-15-di...085826483.html