Boy, 7, dies after beach tragedy that claimed lives of aunt and cousin on day trip from London

A seven-year-old boy has died following an incident at an Essex beach last week in which his teenage cousin and her mother also lost their lives.Musa Ahmed was on a day trip with family to West Mersea on 22 July, when he and five relatives got into difficulty in the sea. The group had all travelled to the island, near Colchester, from Ilford in east London that morning.In a statement, his family said: “We would also like to thank the Royal London Hospital intensive care unit team of doctors and nurses who demonstrated outstanding care and dignity for whilst we have been at the hospital.“We would also like to thank the whole community for their support and prayers.“We would appreciate privacy during this very difficult time.”Shally Rahman, 42, and daughter Samiha Rahman, 15 Social media He told Bangladeshi newspaper Surma News the waves were initially "quite small" as the group paddled with "their legs in the water".But he added: "One tide, when it hit them hard all of them their feet went off… And this is where the panic mode started."He praised the “exceptional courage, kindness and selflessness” of the members of the public who rushed to help his family. Read MoreEssex Police previously said officers were called by the ambulance service at 5.35pm on July 22 after reports that several people had got into difficulty in the water near Seaview Avenue.East of England Ambulance Service said one patient was transported by air and three by road to hospital after the incident at Sea View Holiday Park.Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, who is leading our investigation into the circumstances around the incident, said: “All our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved – as has been the case since this incident took place last week.“Their bravery and strength has been humbling.“We continue to build a complete picture of the circumstances which led up to this incident and our work is continuing alongside our partners.” Anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or footage that could assist the police investigation is asked to contact us on 101 and quote incident 1090 of 22 July.