A 67-year-old father who died while trying to rescue a mother and daughter struggling in the sea off the Yorkshire coast has been named and pictured. Mark Ratcliffe has been described as a “hero” because of his selfless and brave efforts trying to help the two people struggling in the sea in Withernsea in East Yorkshire on Friday.

Mark was pulled unconscious from the water by life-guard crews but sadly died at the scene. Humberside Police revealed that the 67-year-old bravely tried to help a mother in rescuing her daughter after she was swept away from coastal stairs by large and choppy waves.

Leaving a touching and heartfelt tribute, the Ratcliffe family said Mark was "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others".

They added: "So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever.

"A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you."

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