Two boys treated in hospital after Blackpool sea rescue

Blackpool RNLI were called to the scene near Blackpool's Central Pier

Two boys are being treated in hospital after being rescued from the sea in Blackpool.

The boys, aged 12 and 14, were pulled from the water by two teenage girls just before 18:00 BST on Monday before being given CPR by security guards.

The pair were then treated by the RNLI before being taken to hospital.

Lancashire Police said the 14-year-old was in a critical but stable condition while the 12-year-old was described as poorly but not critical.

Supt Chris Hardy said: "This incident once again shows all too clearly the dangers that open water can present.

"I have no doubt that if it hadn't been for the brave and swift actions of the two girls who helped pull these boys from the water and the security staff who gave CPR that we would have been dealing with at least one fatality."

'Respect the water'

He issued a plea for the public "to enjoy the beach but respect the water and take care around swimming in the sea".

Emergency services were called amid reports a number of individuals getting into difficulty near Blackpool's Central Pier.

A search of the area confirmed no one else was in difficulty.

The RNLI thanked the coastguard, police and ambulance services, adding the lifeboat was about to launch before members of the public helped get the boys back to the beach.