Girl, 13, dies four days after 'getting into difficulty' at popular UK beach

A 13-year-old girl has tragically died after "getting into difficulty" at a popular beach.

Police raced to Whitley Bay beach, in North Tyneside, just before 5pm on July 24, following reports of concern for the teen's welfare.

Sadly Edie Smart died today, four days after the incident. The schoolgirl was taken to a hospital but despite the best efforts of doctors, she died.

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Edie's next of kin are now being supported by specially trained officers, police said. Emma Smith, Detective Chief Inspector of Northumbria Police, said: "This is an extremely tragic incident, and our deepest condolences go to Edie’s family and friends.

"Our specially trained officers will continue to provide them with the support they need at this time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they begin to come to terms with the loss of their loved one."

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard previously told ChronicleLive in a statement: "A girl reported to be in difficulty in the water at Whitley Bay was recovered to shore by Whitley Bay lifeguards and passed into the care of an air ambulance for transfer to hospital

"HM Coastguard was informed at about 4.20pm on 24 July and sent an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, and Blyth and Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Teams. The RNLI's all-weather lifeboat from Tynemouth was also sent as well as Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police were informed."