Children rescued from sea

The children got into difficulties under Cromer Pier

A girl is critical in hospital following a sea rescue off Norfolk.

Two children were pulled from the sea after getting into difficulties near Cromer pier about 1545 BST.

Lifeguards had to support one of the youngsters who was trapped under the pier before a rescue boat arrived at the scene.

One child had been taken to hospital by air ambulance and another youngster was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by road.

Both girls are suffering from mild hypothermia and the effects of inhaling salt water.

The ambulance service spokesman said an eight-year-old girl was unconscious and treated by paramedics with a ventilator.

A six-year-old girl is expected to be kept in hospital overnight for observation.

At least two other children, aged 11 and 12, managed to scramble to safety from under the pier.