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Missing sea girl's mother on site | Missing sea girl's mother on site |
(20 minutes later) | |
The mother of a 10-year-old girl who disappeared in the sea off an Essex beach has been at the scene to observe the search and rescue operation. | The mother of a 10-year-old girl who disappeared in the sea off an Essex beach has been at the scene to observe the search and rescue operation. |
Stella Ankabi, from Buckinghamshire, had been playing with a friend in the sea in Clacton on Sunday afternoon when they got into trouble. | |
An onlooker pulled one of the girls ashore but could not find Stella. | |
The air and sea search has been increased to five miles from the beach and is expected to last until sunset. | The air and sea search has been increased to five miles from the beach and is expected to last until sunset. |
Stella was in Clacton on a day trip from Buckinghamshire with her friend and her friend's parents. | |
Her mother travelled from Milton Keynes on Sunday night to meet police and witnessed police activity in the area. | Her mother travelled from Milton Keynes on Sunday night to meet police and witnessed police activity in the area. |
Both girls were playing near a groyne, a sea defence barrier built at a right angle to the beach. | Both girls were playing near a groyne, a sea defence barrier built at a right angle to the beach. |
Holidaymakers describe their shock at what happened | |
Essex Police said officers were continuing to assist the coastguard in the search. | Essex Police said officers were continuing to assist the coastguard in the search. |
A spokesman said: "During the night, police officers and coastguard officials scoured the coastline, with the aid of the police helicopter, which provided lighting." | A spokesman said: "During the night, police officers and coastguard officials scoured the coastline, with the aid of the police helicopter, which provided lighting." |
Two helicopters, a coastguard rescue team and an inshore lifeboat had been launched to search the area after the incident opposite Trafalgar Road, off Marine Parade West. | Two helicopters, a coastguard rescue team and an inshore lifeboat had been launched to search the area after the incident opposite Trafalgar Road, off Marine Parade West. |
An RAF rescue helicopter, from Wattisham, Suffolk, and a police helicopter were scrambled to scour the coastal waters. | An RAF rescue helicopter, from Wattisham, Suffolk, and a police helicopter were scrambled to scour the coastal waters. |
Rescue workers in dry suits also searched the shallow water. | Rescue workers in dry suits also searched the shallow water. |
Stella has two siblings, a four-year-old sister and a nine-year-old brother who are being looked after by family friends. | |
The rescued girl and member of the public who pulled her from the water were taken to Clacton and District Hospital. | The rescued girl and member of the public who pulled her from the water were taken to Clacton and District Hospital. |
Police said the girl, who is with her mother, was now at Colchester General Hospital where she is recovering from shock. | Police said the girl, who is with her mother, was now at Colchester General Hospital where she is recovering from shock. |