Two men who went into the sea to help two children have died, police said.

Cleveland Police said it was called to Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool at 15:45 BST following reports of two children getting into difficulty in the water.

The force said the men had gone into the water and the RNLI brought them out. Both men were pronounced dead a short time later.

The children were taken to hospital to be checked over and are confirmed to be safe, the force said. Labour Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash said the town had suffered a "heartbreaking tragedy".

The Cleveland force said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.

It also said specially trained officers were supporting both the men's families.

Supt Glen Wand said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today."

Brash added: "There are no words that can lessen the pain their families, friends and loved ones are now experiencing.

"My thoughts are with them all, and I know the whole town will be holding them close in our hearts at this tragic time."

Conservative Stockton West MP Matt Vickers said: "My thoughts are with the families of the men who lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this truly tragic incident."

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