Bath weir death: Two men pulled from river pronounced dead

Two swimmers pulled from the River Avon by rescuers have been pronounced dead.

The pair, part of a "group of young men" from the Swindon area, had travelled to Bath intent on "enjoying the nice weather", police said.

Both men were pronounced dead after being found near Bathampton Weir. Police had earlier been alerted to concerns for "several people" in the river near Toll Bridge Road.

Det Insp Will Thorpe said he believed the drownings were a "tragic accident".

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious and would be referred to the coroner.

Sharon Alcock, reporter, BBC News Online

The Bathampton Mill pub stands next to a weir on the eastern outskirts of Bath.

The weir goes across a wide stretch of river and fast currents lead from here towards the city centre.

It is a favourite spot for swimmers - but signs clearly show the dangers.

There is also a platform where the River Avon ferry would normally pick up and drop off passengers, but the route is now blocked by yellow and black tape.

On the opposite bank, the Old Mill Hotel garden gives river access above the weir.

Even after the men were pulled from the water, people continued to walk through the beer garden towards the water.

I've sat here before watching children and adults alike swimming in this stretch of river.

But this picturesque spot has now claimed two lives.