A teenage boy has died after he was hit by a boat’s propeller in the Solent.

The 14-year-old from Surrey was critically injured when he fell off a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) off the coast near The Needles on the Isle of Wight on Friday.

The boat was being driven by the boy’s father, a man in his 50s, who was uninjured.

The teenager was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital , where he was pronounced dead.

Another boy, a 14-year-old school friend of the teenager, was also injured by the propeller and suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

A third 14-year-old boy was also onboard as the privately-owned boat travelled from Dorset to the Isle of Wight, but he was not injured.

Hampshire Police say they are now investigating the death of the boy but do not believe it was suspicious.

A post mortem is due to take place and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Floyd Higginson said: "Although the death is not being treated as suspicious, it is routine procedure for specialist detectives to make initial enquiries into the sudden death of someone aged under 18.

"We are providing support for the other three people on board the boat to help ensure their welfare, and to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

“A second 14-year-old boy from Surrey received a serious injury, which was not life-threatening.

“He is receiving treatment at St. Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight.

“An adult man and a third 14-year-old boy from Surrey were not injured.

"The RHIB was taken by Hampshire Constabulary's Marine Unit to Hamble from Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight on Friday to be secured as evidence pending further enquiries.

"Police would like to thank HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the NHS for their considerable assistance during the response to this emergency."