An Englishwoman drowned in Bugibba on Monday afternoon.

The police said they were informed at around 1230pm that a woman had found herself in difficulty while swimming near Triq Dawret il-Gżejjer.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers were told that the woman, aged 66, had been spotted face down in the water and was brought ashore by other swimmers and lifeguards.

The woman was administered first aid until an ambulance arrived, but she was pronounced dead on site shortly after.

Magistrate Leonard Caruana is leading an inquiry. Police investigations are also ongoing.