A six-year-old girl was killed on a beach in a tragic boat racing accident on a Philippine island on Sunday.

Sciamira Ziah Banquil was playing along the shore while villagers were holding a speedboat drag race at Paliton Beach on Siquijor Island on May 21.

As the speedboats circled back towards the beach, the race winner lost control and shot onto land, running over the hapless youngster and also hitting spectator Alixa Buhian, 24, who suffered a head injury.

Chilling footage shows the surf tinged red with blood as locals tended to the victims.

Sciamira and Alixa were rushed to a hospital. However, the child was declared dead on arrival due to her grave wounds.

San Juan police officers have detained the boat driver James Sumalpong, who has declined to give a statement.

Sciamira's devastated father Joe Pro Banquil said: 'The driver suddenly accelerated when he was approaching the shore. It happened so fast I couldn't run to my daughter in time.'

Sciamira's cousin Jerby Factularin said: 'The family are all heartbroken. Everyone loved Sciamira so much. Now we want juste for her.'

San Juan Police investigator Police Master Sergeant Carry Grencio said: 'Based on our investigation, the driver struck the victims while they were on the shore after his engine malfunctioned.

'They were rushed to the Siquijor Provincial Hospital, but the girl was declared dead on arrival. The organisers had a permit to hold the boat race.'

In a statement, boat race organiser Bancarera Philippines said: 'Bancarera Philippines wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the unfortunate accident during the race held at Paliton Beach, San Juan, Siquijor on May 21, 2023. We wholeheartedly join in your sorrows.

'In the same token, we implore race organizers, team managers, crews and most especially riders, to learn from this tragic incident and revisit, review, and implement all safety protocols to prevent re-occurence in the future and ensure everybody's safety.'

Authorities said James is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. He was remanded in custody at the San Juan police station.