Bodies found in search for brothers missing at sea

Two bodies have been found in the search for two brothers who went missing at sea off the Fylde coast in Lancashire.

Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, were last seen close to St Annes Pier in Lytham St Annes on Saturday evening.

Their 15-year-old cousin, also from Dewsbury, managed to swim to the shore.

The youngster, who was not named, remains in hospital.

An uncle of the brothers told Sky News: "They were the most kind and respectful boys.

"Incredibly well mannered and humble, too.

"The family is shocked and devastated."

In a statement, Lancashire Police said:

Our HM Coastguard and RNLI colleagues searching for missing brothers Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, from Dewsbury have sadly found two bodies.The discovery was made at just after 3:15pm this afternoon (Sunday, August 16th) around a mile away from St Annes Pier, where they sadly got into difficulty in the water yesterday evening (Saturday, August 15th).Whilst they have yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be Muhammad and Ali Shabbir. Their family have been notified and are continuing to be supported by a specially trained officer.Our thoughts and condolences remain with them at this incredibly distressing time.Thanks again to our colleagues at HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) for helping the search to find Muhammad and Ali, as well as everyone who has sent kind words.