A seven-year-old boy has died days after being pulled from the sea off the coast of Essex in an incident that also claimed the lives of his teenage cousin and her mother.
Musa Ahmed, his cousin Sameeha Rahman, 15, and Shelina Rahman, 41, were swimming with family members at West Mersea Beach on July 22 when they got into difficulty. Emergency services arrived at 5.35pm, but Shelina and Sameeha died at the scene. Musa suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Royal London Hospital, where he died on July 29.
Family confirms tragic loss
In a statement shared by Essex Police, Musa'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.'
A family friend said Sameeha was trying to save her cousin when she died. The three were from Ilford, east London.
Police investigation ongoing
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher said: 'We continue to build a complete picture of the circumstances which led up to this incident and our work is continuing alongside our partners.' He described the Rahman family's bravery as 'humbling'.
Dr Mansur Rahman, Shelina's husband and father of Sameeha, said last week that the three were swimming with Sameeha's brother, sister and another family member at the time. He is the leader of Jubo Dal UK, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in India.
'I have not been able to answer many phone calls, but please know that I have not intentionally ignored anyone,' he said. 'The overwhelming support, love, and prayers from all of you mean more to us than words can express.'
