A row has erupted over whether the dangers of a stretch of beach in the Algarve, on which three Britons died, are made clear enough to visitors.

The three parents drowned while trying to rescue children who were caught in a rip tide.

Robert and Deb Fry from Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, waded into the water when their children George, nine and Rosie, 11 got into difficulties with five others off the Praia do Tonel beach in Sagres, Portugal.

Friend and neighbour Jean Dinsmore, who had accompanied the Frys on holiday with her own family, entered the sea when the youngsters struggled against the strong current.

Mrs Dinsmore was swept away while a German tourist managed to get his daughter to safety, but later suffered a heart attack and died on the beach.

The remaining children were later washed ashore and all survived.

In a joint statement issued through the Foreign Office on Tuesday night, the families of the three victims said: "We are deeply shocked by the events of yesterday and need time to come to terms with the loss of three of our loved ones.

"Our priority now is to provide support to the bereaved children involved and ask that the media respect our privacy and that of our family and friends at this very difficult time."

A further three adults required hospital treatment following the incident, but only one - Dean Plumb - remained in hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

The commander of the local maritime police, Pedro Pereira, revealed that the beach was closed for the winter and signs warned bathers that there were no lifeguards on duty.

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