Youngsters in freak wave drama

A freak wave swept a crowd of youngsters into the sea at one of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions tonight.

Nine youngsters and a man escaped serious injury after being plunged into choppy waters at the Giant's Causeway on the north Antrim coast.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: "The children, aged between four and 13, were dragged out of the water by a man whose own two sons were swept away."

All of them were taken to hospital for treatment to minor cuts, bruises and water inhalation.

A coastguard spokesman said they had not been alerted.

He added that signs were in place at the Giant's Causeway, warning tourists not to go too close to the water.