British tourist, 52, who died rushing into the sea to try to save children aged six and seven when got into difficulty in Spain is named

A British tourist who died after he tried to save two children who were in difficulties in the sea at a beach in Spain has been named.

Bryn Thomas, from Southampton, Hampshire, is said to have died after running into the water in a bid to help the children, aged six and seven, along with others on the Costa Blanca on June 7.

The tragedy happened at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura south of Alicante during gusting winds of up to almost 40mph. 

At the opening of an inquest into the 52-year-old’s death in Winchester, area coroner Jason Pegg told the inquest that Mr Thomas had gone into the sea to help the young swimmers. However, he got into difficulties himself and later died.

Mr Thomas was reported to have died alongside a 46-year-old man, from Poland, after both children were saved. 

The tragedies in the last 24 hours means an incredible eight people have now drowned in the province of Alicante, which Guardamar del Segura is part of, in the first seven days of June

The causes of death were given as encephalic anoxia and mechanical asphyxia due to submersion.

Two other people were rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties following the incident. 

The full inquest will be heard next year.

The Spanish Civil Guard was quoted in reports saying: ‘Two people lost their lives. One was British and the other Polish. They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea. The sea conditions were pretty bad.’