Sea search for missing girl 'hindered by storm'

Search efforts for a seven-year-old girl who is missing after being swept out to sea have been hampered by a storm, an MP has said.

Her parents Zubair and Tasneem Makda were also knocked into the water and lost sight of their daughter.

Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain said the Moroccan ambassador had given him "strong assurances" that he would "do all in his power to ensure every action is taken by local authorities to assist in the search for Inaayah".

Hussain reported that "search efforts have been hindered due to a storm" and said the Foreign Office has reiterated his request to Moroccan counterparts for a dedicated police liaison officer "to provide direct and immediate support for the family".

"The governor of Casablanca has confirmed that the Moroccan civil protection team is on scene and will provide constant updates to the Foreign Office," he added.

The MP said he wanted to "thank and commend the people of Blackburn for coming together and offering support and solidarity to Inaayah's family during this devastating time".

The family were on their first night of a week-long holiday when the tragedy happened.

A relative, who did not wish to be named, said the tide appeared to be a long way out when they first arrived on the beach but came in very quickly - within about 20 minutes - catching them by surprise.

A Go Fund Me appeal launched to pay for a private search and essential family expenses for the parents, who are still in Casablanca, has raised more than £60,000.