Three children who went missing in separate incidents off Weymouth Beach have been reunited with their parents.

Police said they had been called at around 3.45 pm on Saturday to reports of a missing child. They notified the Coastguard, who sent a helicopter, and the 8-year-old girl was found by 4.30 pm, and reunited with her parents. 

The Coastguard meanwhile confirmed they had responded to two further incidents of children going missing from the beach on Saturday afternoon, with both children found safe and well. 

Mark Rodaway, duty commander for HM Coastguard, urged parents to keep an eye on their children - especially on busy beaches.

"It’s always a huge worry when children go missing on the beach or near the sea – not just for the parents but for our Coastguards as well," he said.  

"There’s always a possibility that children may get into difficulties even in shallow water or injure themselves on slippery rocks. 

"We are urging parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children at the beach and know where they are at all times.

"Busy beaches can disorientate people, especially children, so take advantage of local wristband schemes wherever possible."

Weymouth RNLI confirmed they had also sent out a boat to search for the missing children.