Rescuers search for children reportedly dropped from pier into San Francisco Bay

Rescuers searched for the bodies of at least two young children who were reportedly tossed into San Francisco Bay near a popular waterfront stretch, authorities said.

A man called emergency services at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to report that two, and possibly three, children had been dropped from a pier into the chilly water, said Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. The case was being investigated as a homicide.

The children were believed to be under 10 years old, said Police Chief Heather Fong. Coast Guard boats and a helicopter searched the waters as darkness fell.

The incident happened in the Embarcadero area, which draws tourists to the historic Ferry Building. Pier 7 _ a long, wooden structure lined with a wrought-iron fence _ was recently refurbished, AP reported.

A.M.