Two Tesco workers drown after one rushed into river to save the other on day out

Two young men who died after drowning in a river have been named as friends who worked in the same Tesco branch.

According to a pal, Velly Sousa, 24, was in difficulties in the water in Bath, Somerset, so Samuel Fernandez, 20, jumped in to try and save him on Thursday afternoon.

Coastguards, ambulance and police rushed to Bathampton Bridge in Lower Swainswick and pulled both men out of the river but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims' friend Luvson D'Costa, 29, was at the scene today to pay respects to the pair.

He named them and said they were coworkers at a Tesco in nearby Swindon, Wiltshire.

Luvson described them both as "really great guys" and revealed that Velly was engaged to be married later this year.

Luvson, a Honda factory worker, said: "They were just swimming and I think Velley jumped in the water and Sam went after.

"All I know is Velley was drowning and Sam went to save him but drowned himself.

"I used to work with them, I was closer to Sam and Velley was more of a friend of a friend, but they were great guys.

"A group of them who work at Tesco went to enjoy a day out, they've been working non stop through the lockdown so wanted to get out for a bit.

"I know Sam could swim, I'm not sure about Velley. They weren't drinking or anything, it was just a tragic accident.

"I can't believe it's happened, it's not sinking in. It doesn't feel real.

"I saw Sam two or three days ago. Some of my friends saw him the day that he died, as he finished work."

Police confirmed on Thursday that two men have died after being 'lost underwater' in the river.

A water rescue team was mobilised and a Coastguard helicopter was sent to the scene - the River Avon in Bath, Somerset.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at 4.12pm by the ambulance service amid concern for people in the water near Toll Bridge Road in Bath.

"A rescue operation was subsequently led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Two adult casualties were rescued and given into the care of the ambulance service.

"However, both males were pronounced dead at the scene.

"We are not treating the circumstances around the deaths as suspicious at this time.

"The deaths will be referred to the coroner."