Two men die in tragedy on the River Avon in Bath

Two men have died in a tragedy on the River Avon in Bath.

It is understood four people jumped into the water after spotting them in trouble, but were unable to rescue the men.

Both men who died were in their 20s and part of a group who had travelled "from the Swindon area" - a trip of around 30 miles.

• Hear from the victim's friends in Sangita Lal's full report:

Eye witnesses, 12 year old Toby and his family, say they think one man lost his footing as he was swimming, falling beneath the surface as the water became deeper.

Another friend went in after him but also got into trouble. Two more friends then tried to save them.

With four now struggling in the water - eye witnesses say a bystander jumped in and managed to rescue two.

Police say the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

Flowers have been laid at the scene in a tribute to the two men.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Toll Bridge Road at around 4.15pm on 28 May following reports that several people were in the water.

After extensive searches of the water by fire and rescue teams from Bristol and Bath the bodies of the two men were brought ashore.

Many people who live in the area say it is a very popular spot for swimmers, especially in hot weather.

Police however are urging people not to ignore the warning signs about the dangers of swimming in the water.

Detective Inspector Will Thorpe said: "Obviously we are enjoying very unseasonal nice weather and the temptation is to use local waterways to cool off, but I would urge that people don't enter the water, and to use other ways of cooling off. The water is very dangerous."

Helicopters and emergency workers on boats were involved in the search and rescue attempt of the two men.