A SEARCH for two brothers who went missing while swimming in the sea has been stood down.

Muhammed Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali That Shabbir, 16, haven’t been seen since they went swimming close to the pier in St Annes on Saturday evening.

Rescue services including the RNLI and the coastguard reconvened a search for them this morning, Sunday, but were stood down this afternoon.

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A police spokesman said: “Sadly, despite searching for a number of hours, our colleagues at HM Coastguard and the RNLI have been unable to find missing brothers Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, (pictured left) and Ali Athar Shabbir (pictured right), 16, from Dewsbury who got into difficulty in water close to St Annes Pier yesterday evening (Saturday, August 15th).

“The search has now been stood down but may reconvene later today. We will update you if they are found.

“We were called at just before 6:55pm last night to a concern for their safety. A 15-year-old boy, Muhammed and Ali’s cousin, managed to swim to the shore. He remains in hospital.

“Our HM Coastguard and RNLI colleagues searched the water well into the night and resumed early this morning. They have unfortunately been unsuccessful and both Muhammad and Ali remain missing.

“Their family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

“Our thanks goes to HM Coastguard and the RNLI for their efforts, along with everyone who has offered their support and well wishes.”