Muhammad Azhar Shabbir was 18 (left) and his brother Ali Athar Shabbir was 16 (Picture: Lancashire Police)

Two bodies have been found during the search for missing brothers Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16.

They two went missing when they got into difficulty off the Fylde coast.

Both were found just after 3:15pm on Sunday 17th August around a mile away from St Annes Pier.

Lancashire Police said: “Whilst they have yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be Muhammad and Ali.

“Their family have been notified and are continuing to be supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts remain with them.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with them and their friends at this incredibly distressing time. 

“Thanks again to our colleagues at HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the National Police Air Service for helping the search to find Muhammad and Ali, as well as everyone who sent kind words and offered to help the search.”

HM Coastguard tweeted: “Our thoughts are with Muhammad and Ali’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”