Tributes have been paid to a High Wycombe schoolgirl who died in an incident at Bournemouth beach.

The 12-year-old child has been named locally by friends as Sunnah Khan, described by loved ones as an "angel". 

She died alongside a 17-year-old boy from Southampton on Wednesday while in the water off Bournemouth beach. 

More than 200 friends and family attended Sunnah’s funeral on Saturday, June 3, at the Central Mosque in High Wycombe, the Sun reports.

ALSO READ: Bournemouth beach incident: Tributes to girl, 12, from High Wycombe

Describing Sunnah, a family friend said: “She was an absolute force of nature, liked by all and loved by so many.

“She will be so sorely missed by her parents, siblings and friends.

“There are no words to describe the hole she has left in all of our hearts but we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives," she added to the Daily Mail. 

Another friend told the newspaper: "She will be missed by everyone, she was very popular and her death will leave a hole that will be impossible to fill.

“She had so much more to look forward to. She was an angel.”

She died along with a 17-year-old boy from Southampton. Eight other swimmers were pulled from the water and received treatment.

Dorset Police said it was continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released under investigation.