Benidorm horror as British tourist, 31, found dead on popular beach

A British tourist has been found dead on a beach in Benidorm, Spain, after entering the sea. Police confirmed the 31-year-old died after struggling to return to the resort's famous Levante beach.

The man had gone into the water with at least two other British friends who returned unharmed. Several beachgoers who witnessed the horrific events rushed into the water to try to save the man but ultimately were unable to do so. Tragically the man's body "washed up on the shoreline", Spanish police say. Alarming footage from the scene showed a group of locals and tourists crowding around police who were responding to the emergency.

A National Police source said this morning: "Yesterday about 8pm several British nationals were on Benidorm's Levante Beach.

"One of them went into the sea and was unable to return to dry land.

"Several people tried to rescue him but it proved impossible.

"Coastguards were mobilised but were unable to locate him. Some time later his body washed up on the shoreline.

"He was already dead at that point."

The man's death was confirmed by another police spokeperson who confired that "a British man aged 31 died in Benidorm last night in a suspected drowning".

He added that "an investigation is underway but there is nothing pointing to this death being suspicious in any way".

A Benidorm town hall source said: "It appears this man went into the sea and couldn't get out.

"The lifeguard service had finished for the day by the time this happened."

One local commenting on the tragedy on social media said late last night: "Sad scenes on the beaches tonight. Three lads believed to be British have got into difficulty in the sea . One has been recovered so far."

A recent British visitor replied saying: £Just back from Benidorm.. we went to the beach a few times late at night and as beautiful as it was the water was extremely choppy, even the water at my ankles felt too much as I can't swim.

"I could not imagine actually being in the water. The ocean is a powerful thing not to be messed with. Very sad news to hear."