The body of a child has been recovered from the sea off the coast of southern Ireland.
On Tuesday afternoon, an search operation was launched at Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, in County Cork.
The alert was raised at about 4.40pm after reports the youngster had entered the water.
Irish police said the body of a child was removed from the water at around 7.45pm and the youngster was pronounced dead.
In a statement, the Garda said: “A search and rescue operation at Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, Co. Cork, has been stood down following the recovery of the body of a female child this evening.
“A search and rescue operation was launched involving the Coast Guard, RNLI, Fire Services, Customs, Mallow River Rescue and Garda Units from Crosshaven and Carrigaline Garda stations.
Fountainstown Beach Pic: Google Street View
“The body of the child will be removed from the scene and taken to Cork University Hospital where a post mortem will take place.
“The Coroner has been notified. No further information is available at this time.”
