THE father of a teenage girl missing since being swept into the sea on Sunday yesterday visited the spot where his son and the children's mother lost their lives.

John Greenwood arrived at the North Bay, in Scarborough, shortly after rescue workers called off their search for his daughter, 13-year-old Aimee. Her 11-year-old brother, Luke, died during the family day out.

He was joined by the parents of Kim Barrett, 33, who died after trying to save the children.

Ms Barrett's boyfriend, Jason Johnson, 34, from Horsforth, Leeds, and his son, Alec, eight, survived the incident.

Police believe the group had been on a day out in Whitby and stopped in Scarborough on the way home.

The three children were playing on a slipway leading to the beach in Royal Albert Drive when they were struck by a 12ft wave, which washed them out to sea.

Mr Johnson and Ms Barrett dived in to try to save the children.

Alec and Mr Johnson managed to scramble to safety. Ms Barrett and Luke were plucked from the water by an RAF helicopter, but they were pronounced dead at Scarborough Hospital.

Last night, Mr Johnson and his son visited the scene of the tragedy. They walked to the edge of the sea wall, onto which huge breakers were crashing, and stared at the spot where they almost lost their lives.

A team of about 60 police officers, firefighters, coastguards and members of the RNLI spent the daylight hours searching for Aimee's body.

Four teams combed a two-mile stretch of the beach and a police helicopter from Lancashire made an aerial search of the bay's rocky outcrops.

But as the tide came back in yesterday afternoon and the light began to fail, they were forced to admit defeat.

Chief Inspector Ken Gill said today's search would be confined to patrols by the Coastguard.

"I think it is a desperate situation for this family," he said. "They need to get some closure, and unfortunately, we haven't been able to provide that.

"I am absolutely confident there is nothing more that could have been done. Every single inch has been physically searched, some of it three times."

Tony Ellis, watch manager for HM Coastguard, said the search had been difficult for everyone involved.

He said: "It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

"They have been through it all, from the elation of when they plucked Ms Barrett and Luke from the sea, to the disappointment of them being declared dead, to the futility of not being able to find Aimee."

Friends and neighbours of Ms Barrett, who lived in Spen Bank, Leeds, yesterday paid tribute to her and her children.

Neighbour Carol Wilson broke down in tears as she spoke about their deaths.

She said: "She was my best friend and the first person I got to know on the street.

"She was a really caring person.

"Luke was really starting to grow up. He would do anything for you and sometimes he would knock on your door and say he wanted a hug.

"Aimee was really mature for her age and was a really caring little girl."

Witnesses are asked to contact police on (01723) 509026.