Tributes have been paid to a 12-year-old girl who died following an incident off Bournemouth beach.

Sunnah Khan was described as an "angel" after she died in hospital, along with a 17-year-old boy who she was not related to.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident near Bournemouth Pier, which happened on Wednesday, May 31.

Read more: Bournemouth beach death investigation - live updates 

Emergency services closed the beach while two helicopters landed to help with the rescue operation.

Sunnah, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was pulled from the sea but could not be saved.

Her funeral was held on Saturday and reportedly more than 200 people attended to pay their respects.

A family friend told a national newspaper: "She was an absolute force of nature, liked by all and loved by so many.

Bournemouth Echo: Sunnah Khan pictured

"She will be sorely missed by her parents, siblings and friends.

"There are no words to describe the hole she has left in all of our hearts but we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives."

Another friend said: "She will be missed by everyone, she was very popular and her death will leave a hole that will be impossible to fill.

Read more: Seized pleasure boat returned to pier twice

"She had so much more to look forward to. She was an angel."

Dorset Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released under investigation.

The Dorset Belle boat was seized and cordoned off by officers probing the deaths.