Police searching for an Ashfield teen swept away by a massive wave off the coast of Withernsea have revealed how the tragedy unfolded after piecing together CCTV and witness statements.

Humberside Police said Grace Keeling was standing with her friend on the steps near to the rocks when she is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave.

Grace’s mum, Sarah, and three other members of the public who were nearby at the time immediately entered the water in an effort to save her.

Sarah Keeling, aged 45, and 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe died trying to rescue. Grace.

The scene at a beach in Withernsea following the tragedy as the search for missing Grace Keeling continues

placeholder image — The scene at a beach in Withernsea following the tragedy as the search for missing Grace Keeling continues

Police confirmed the two other men who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue managed to exit safely.

Police search continues for missing Ashfield teen swept out to sea by a massive ...

A statement from Humberside Police said: “Over the last five days we have been working to establish how the incident unfolded and understand the full circumstances of how Grace, Sarah and Mark came to be in the water.

“From trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses who were in the area at the time, it is understood that Grace and her friend were on the steps near to the rocks when Grace is believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave.

Mother and daughter Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15.

“Grace’s mum, Sarah, and three other members of the public who were nearby at the time, including Mark, immediately entered the water in an effort to save Grace.”

The news comes as searches continue to find Grace who is still missing.

Police are using drones, an underwater search unit and consulting with an oceanographer in an effort to find the missing teen.

Residents in Withernsea are being advised to avoid the location to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.

Chief Inspector Tom Stevens said: “This is a truly tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the families of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe. Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers and have requested their privacy at this devastating time.

“Our priority now is to find Grace, and we are doing everything we can to locate her. This includes extensive searches along the shoreline and drone searches from Withernsea to Easington directed by our specialist search teams. Our underwater search unit has also been in the area, and we have consulted with an oceanographer to ensure our searches are as efficient as possible.

“Throughout the week, members of the public should expect to see a continued police presence in the area, and we would ask people to avoid the location to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”

The tragedy happened off Withernsea at around 3pm on Friday, January 2.

Chief Inspector Tom Stevens added: “I would like to offer my thanks to all members of the public and partners for their continued assistance in the search for Grace, your help has been invaluable.”