Children swept into sea from beach steps by tide

A passer-by's swift actions saved the children, police say

A passer-by who rescued three children from the sea in Blackpool has been praised by police for her "quick-thinking" after throwing a life ring into the water.

The children had been swept out to sea by North Pier on Sunday after being caught out by the tide when they were on the steps to the beach, Lancashire Police said.

The force said the rescuer's "swift actions" saved the children who had been checked over at hospital and later returned home.

It urged people to take care and "exercise caution" near the water, as waves could become "unpredictable and dangerous".

"We are pleased to say that all three children were checked over by both North West Ambulance Service and at hospital and were able to return home shortly afterwards," a spokesman said.

"This is a reminder to exercise caution when you are near to the sea, especially at high tide as the waves can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

"For parents, if you are not with your children, please have knowledge of where they are so that instances like this can be avoided."

The ages of the children are not yet known.