Two British men reported drowned on Malta holiday

Two British men have drowned off the coast of Malta while on holiday.

One of the men is believed to be a 35-year-old dentist from Small Heath, Birmingham.

The man's family said they were notified of his death on Saturday at 19:00 BST. A third man survived after being rescued by passers-by.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of two British nationals in Malta."

Malta's police force said the two men were both 35-year-old British nationals.

They were swimming at the Blue Lagoon, in Comino, at about 15:30 when they got into difficulties.

"Members from the Armed Forces of Malta went... to assist the two persons," the force said.

"One person was taken by a private boat to Imgarr while the other person was airlifted to the Gozo General Hospital by a helicopter.

"Unfortunately they were both certified dead.

"Another 35-year-old man, who was with them, was taken to hospital for treatment after he had also found himself in difficulty."

The force added police investigations were under way.