Crosby beach: Man dies after five men pulled from sea

Five men got into trouble in the sea at Crosby beach

A man has died after being pulled from the sea at a beach in Merseyside following a large rescue operation.

Five men, at least three in their 20s, got into difficulties at Crosby beach shortly after 19:25 BST on Tuesday.

Three of them were taken to hospital but one died a short time later, Merseyside Police said.

Another remains in a critical but stable condition while the other was discharged. The two others did not require any treatment.

The dead man's family have been informed and are being supported.

A member of the public called 999 after spotting five people in difficulty in the water and a rescue operation was launched involving the coastguard, RNLI, firefighters, police and ambulance service.

'Tragic death'

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said crews assisted the RNLI and coastguard recover the people from the water to the beach.

Area manager Gary Oakford said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends following the tragic death of a young man.

"We would urge people to make sure they are aware of the dangers of open water, particularly when carrying out activities in and around open water."

Earlier, the RNLI had warned of the dangers of open water swimming after six people in England died in the last few days.

A body was found on Tuesday of a 16-year-old boy who police believe fell into a river in Cheshire.