A child has died and a search is ongoing for a man who is still missing at sea, the police said Monday.

The police said that at 1.15pm it was informed that its assistance was needed at Ramla lHamra.

An 11-year-old boy and a 37-year-old man - both from England - found themselves in difficulty while swimming.

The Armed Forces of Malta and the Civil Protection Department joined the search with the use of a dinghy and a helicopter.

The child was located and brought to shore. He was taken to hospital where he was certified dead some time later.

A search for the man is still on.

Magistrate Jean Paul Grech is leading an inquiry.