The girls were playing at Collywell Bay at Seaton Sluice

Jade Anderson, 12, from Seghill, Northumberland died after being rescued from the sea at nearby Seaton Sluice on Saturday afternoon.

She was with three friends, who coastguards initially thought were dodging waves when they were swept into the water.

However, Northumbria Police later said there was no evidence the girls were involved in such a game.

Another girl, Beth Gardner, remains in hospital, where her condition is said to be stable.

The two remaining youngsters, aged 12 and 13, were treated for hypothermia and later released.

(Pc Purvis) was very brave and has pulled two distressed girls from the scene in horrendous conditions Inspector Neil Fraser

As more details of the rescue emerged, Inspector Neil Fraser of Northumbria Police praised the "heroic" actions of Pc Darren Purvis, who plunged into the freezing waters in "horrendous" conditions to pluck two of the girls to safety.

The other two had already been rescued by local fishermen when Pc Purvis arrived with colleagues at the scene.

The girls had been playing near the shore when they were swept up by a wave.

Mr Fraser said: "He entered the water and pulled a girl to safety.

"Within minutes the police helicopter had arrived and found another girl in difficulty.

"Using the helicopter downdraft they blew the girl towards the shore and Pc Purvis again entered the water and pulled the girl to safety."

All four girls were taken to North Tyneside Hospital.

Two were released on Saturday night and a third on Sunday.

Jade died during the early hours.

Praising the actions of Pc Purvis, Mr Fraser added: "It was heroic. Had it not been for his actions there may well have been more dire consequences.

"He was very brave and has pulled two distressed girls from the scene in horrendous conditions."

Jade was a very popular and lovely young girl and always had a smile on her face Head teacher, Tom Moran

An RAF rescue helicopter, the Northumbria Police helicopter and two lifeboat crews were scrambled during the incident at 1530 GMT at Collywell Bay, Seaton Sluice, north of Newcastle.

The head teacher of Seaton Sluice Middle School, where Jade was amongst the 296 pupils, said the entire community was devastated by the tragedy.

Tom Moran said: "The whole community is devastated and deeply shocked by the tragic events of the weekend.

"Our immediate thoughts are with the family and friends.

"Jade was a very popular and lovely young girl and always had a smile on her face.

"She was making really good progress and will be sadly missed.

"School will open as usual tomorrow and prayers in memory of Jade will be said at the morning assembly."