Two Brits in their 30s have drowned after getting into difficulty off the south-west coast of Portugal.

Portuguese daily Correio da Manha said the man had entered the water to help the woman after she got into difficulties on Sunday afternoon at Praia da Zambujeira.

The pair were brought back to shore by a group of surfers but sadly passed away.

Maritime Police chief Rui Pedro Silva Filipe said: “I can confirm they are both British citizens. The man was 34, and the woman was 33.

“It appears the man went to the woman’s aid when he saw she was in difficulties and was holding onto a rock.”

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said: “Our staff are supporting the families of a British man and woman following their deaths in Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal and are in contact with the Portuguese authorities.”