A SOUTHAMPTON MP has lead tributes to a Southampton teenager, who tragically died yesterday after an incident at Bournemouth Beach.

At a press conference today, Dorset Police confirmed the 17-year-old boy died in hospital along with a 12-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire after emergency services received reports on Wednesday afternoon of people “in trouble in the sea".

READ MORE: Bournemouth beach: Flowers left near pier after two children die

Leading the tributes, Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, told The Echo: “Whatever the circumstances, this incident is a tragedy for those involved and of course, their families and friends.

“My heart goes out to them all at this desperately sad time.”

Deputy Leader of Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, also passed on the sympathies of her and her colleagues.

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She told The Daily Echo: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the children who lost their lives.

“What should have been a day of fun, ended in tragedy. We would also express gratitude to the emergency services in the region who responded quickly.”

Religious leaders also paid their respects.

The Diocese of Winchester took to Twitter to say: “We are praying for all those affected by this tragic event in our diocese – for the young people who have died, those who were injured, the families and loved ones, and all those who are caring for them, and the emergency and medical services.”

The Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, responded to the tweet by adding: “Praying for everybody involved in this tragedy.”