Three people have been arrested after a British pensioner died while swimming at a hotel in Crete.

The 78-year-old female tourist, who has not been named, had been staying in Hersonissos, a popular resort town in the north of the Greek island.

She was dragged from the water and received first aid before being taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to local media reports.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, including the 21-year-old lifeguard who was supposed to be on duty at the time.

The Cretapost reported that the lifeguard was not at their post at the time of the incident.

The hotel’s director, 51, and general manager, 41, were also arrested.

All three suspects have been released on bail.

The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.

It comes just after a British tourist was found dead on his sun lounger on a beach near Hersonissos on July 20.

The 74-year-old man had lost consciousness after going swimming in the sea on Stalis Beach and was pronounced dead at the scene.