The tourist jumped into the water with friends at Benidorm’s Levante Beach (Picture: Shutterstock / JoaoCachapa)

A British tourist has drowned in Benidorm after a light-night swim in the sea.

The 31-year-old was found lifeless after struggling to make it back to land,police confirmed.

He had jumped into the water at Benidorm’s Levante Beach with at least two other British friends,who returned unharmed.

Bystanders tried unsuccessfully to rescue the drowning tourist,before the coastguard also failed to locate him in the water.

A National Police source said this morning: ‘Yesterday about 8pm several British nationals were on Benidorm’s Levante Beach.

‘One of them went into the sea and was unable to return to dry land.

‘Several people tried to rescue him but it proved impossible.

‘Coastguards were mobilised but were unable to locate him. Some time later his body washed up on the shoreline.

‘He was already dead at that point.’

Bystanders crowd around police as they respond to the emergency (Picture: SOLARPIX.COM)

A police spokesman added: ‘I can confirm a British man aged 31 died in Benidorm last night in a suspected drowning.

‘An investigation is underway but there is nothing pointing to this death being suspicious in any way.’

Another well-placed insider said: ‘We believe this man was a tourist.

‘He was with two friends. They got out of the water okay and he remained in the sea and got further and further away from the coastline.’

A Benidorm town hall source said: ‘It appears this man went into the sea and couldn’t get out.

‘The lifeguard service had finished for the day by the time this happened.’

Footage from the scene of the tragedy showed a group of locals and holidaymakers crowding around police who had responded to the emergency.

Waves were crashing down on the shoreline,indicating rough sea conditions.