Boy, 7, dies a week after mother and teenage daughter drowned in Essex

A seven-year-old boy has died a week after a mother and teenage daughter drowned in Essex.

The boy is the third person to die as a result of the incident in West Mersea on Wednesday, 22 July, which also claimed the lives of 41-year-old Shelina Rahman and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha.

Ms Rahman and her daughter were in the water with four other family members at West Mersea beach on Wednesday 22 July when they got into difficulty.

The family and members of the public tried to help them, but Shelina and Sameeha, from Ilford in east London, were pronounced dead.

The seven-year-old boy was flown to hospital in a critical condition after the incident near the Sea View Holiday Park.

Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, who is leading the investigation into the circumstances around the incident, said: "All our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved - as has been the case since this incident took place last week.

"Their bravery and strength has been humbling.

"We continue to build a complete picture of the circumstances which led up to this incident and our work is continuing alongside our partners."

In a statement, the boy's family said: "We would also like to thank the Royal London Hospital intensive care unit team of doctors and nurses who demonstrated outstanding care and dignity for whilst we have been at the hospital.

"We would also like to thank the whole community for their support and prayers.

"We would appreciate privacy during this very difficult time."

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There have been a number of drownings in the UK over the summer, including during the May heatwave when at least 15 people, mostly children, drowned swimming in open water.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said the government would provide support to local authorities following the deaths, adding that it was "so sad to hear the news".

He told ITV Anglia: "It does bring over... the dangers of open water swimming at this time of the year."

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