Boy of four drowns on Spanish holiday

Emergency services tried to save the little boy when called out to a resort on the Costa Blanca on Wednesday evening but he had already died, local authorities said.

Local media first reported the boy died in a communal pool in Rocio del Mar, Torrevieja, but it has also been reported he fell into a pool at a private villa in the area at Calle Bajamar.

It is thought the boy had only recently arrived on holiday with his family to the seaside resort, which lies south of Alicante.

Lupita Diaz, commercial advisor for Mahersol Group which manages apartments at one of the holiday blocks in the area said it is an area favoured by families.

She said: “The area is very popular with tourists, many families. The beach is just 100 metres away.”

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “Following the death of a British national in Spain, we are providing support to their family. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Britons posting their thoughts on a Facebook page for expats living in the area, described the news as “tragic” and “heartbreaking”.