Emergency services rushed to Crosby Beach at around 7.10pm yesterday after reports of a group of men getting into difficulty in the water. Three of the five men were rushed to hospital, where one has since died of his injuries.

       A second man is in a critical condition, reports Liverpool Echo.

       A third has since been discharged from hospital while the other two pals did not require medical attention after the "serious" incident at the popular beach, which is just north of Liverpool.

       "We can confirm that a man has died and two men were taken to hospital following an incident at Crosby Beach last night, Tuesday 20 July," a Merseyside Police spokesman said.

       "At around 7.10pm, emergency services attended the beach following reports of three men in their 20s getting into difficulties in the sea. All three men were taken to hospital.

       "One man was sadly pronounced deceased a short time later. A second remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition and a third has been discharged.

       "The deceased man’s family have been made aware and are being supported by officers.

       "Enquiries continue and anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to come forward is asked to contact us via @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or 101, with reference 21000506040."

       The Coastguard assisted with the rescue operation last night.

       The death is the latest in a string of tragedies at watersides across the UK this week after temperatures rocketed to 30C.

       A teenager died in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, after swimming in a canal with mates.

       A woman died on a north Devon beach and the body of a teenage boy was recovered from the River Eden in Carlisle, Cumbria.