A seven-year-boy involved in a beach incident that killed a mother and daughter has died in hospital, his family have confirmed.

Musa Ahmed was on a day trip in West Mersea, when he got into difficulty in water, along with five relatives.

Musa's family said he died "in a state of ease and peace" at the Royal London Hospital on Tuesday evening.

Musa's father said that the family were swept away by "very strong" tides, and Essex Police confirmed they made "significant efforts to help each other."

In a statement, he thanked hospital staff in the intensive care unit, who "demonstrated outstanding care and dignity."

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

Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, who is leading the investigation, said: "all our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.

Emergency services were called at 5.35pm on Wednesday after reports of the dangerous situation in the water near Seaview Avenue.

Police confirmed that three other people were taken to hospital following the incident, they stated that those three people are "recovering."

Musa was airlifted to hospital following the tragic incident, however Shelina Rahman, 41, and 15-year-old Sameeha, died at the scene.

Witnesses have praised the actions of Craig Lowe, who repeatedly swam into the sea in an effort to save those in danger.

Beverly Smit, 60, described the dramatic rescue, saying Mr Lowe entered the water three separate times despite the harsh conditions out at sea.

She said: "They were calling for help and the children and adults were out there. He swam out, I think, three times. Two of the children he brought back were not in good condition."

Staff from the nearby Seaview Beach Diner, including teenage employees, joined other bystanders in trying to help.

Leonie Powling, 19, who was working at the café, recalled seeing CPR being administered to those pulled from the water.

"We wished we helped a bit more, but we did what we could," she said.

"Now knowing that people have died, it's a lot sadder that we were there and kind of witnessed it."