A TEENAGER last night spoke of her “sinking sand” ordeal on Crosby beach.

Emma Beatham, 15, and her boyfriend Josh Harden, 16, got into difficulties during a stroll at the popular tourist attraction on Sunday.

The pair, who got stuck up to their knees, eventually managed to break free but lost their shoes in the struggle.

Emma said after the ordeal they were told there had been warning signs up, but these had sunk.

However, officials from Sefton council officials say there were never any signs on the beach and plenty of warning signs elsewhere.

Emma, who moves into Year 11 of Hillside High School in September, is now warning others to be careful.

She also questioned whether there are sufficient lifeguards patrolling Crosby beach, which is famed for Antony Gormley’s Iron Men statues. Emma said she only saw one lifeguard on duty that day, who had failed to notice they were in trouble.

The couple became struck in the sand on Sunday, at around 11am, when they were walking towards the sea.

Emma, who lives on Keir Hardie Avenue, in Bootle, said: “The more I walked, the deeper it got. I got scared and started screaming ‘help, help’.

“There was a lifeguard in a Jeep but I’m not sure if he saw or not.

“There’s a centre being built there.

“We went and told them and they said there were signs there but these had sunk in the sand.

“I think they need more lifeguards. What if a little kid went under and got stuck?A spokesman for Sefton Council said there was no sinking sand on Crosby beach, but areas of deep mud.