Neighbours and friends of Deb and Robert Fry and Jean Dinsmore, who drowned in the Algarve while trying to save three children, have spoken of their shock.

Bunches of flowers lie outside the house of Mrs Dinsmore, who lived round the corner from the Frys and was believed to have been involved in the tragedy.

Neighbours said they feared the worst for Mrs Dinsmore, who had been on holiday with the Frys along with her husband Roy and their two children.

Richard Coxhead, who lives opposite their cottage, said: "My neighbours have told me Jean was also a casualty. We do not know a lot but we certainly fear the worst.

"Their two children, a girl and a boy, had recently started secondary school. They were good pals with the Frys' children.

"To hear about this happening to people on your doorstep is such a shock. I believe Jean used to be a police officer, but I am not sure. I think she works in child care now. They are a lovely family but very private. Roy is a businessman - he always says hello as he leaves for work."

Bassett resident Karen Doughty, 44, fought back tears as she told how the Frys died trying to rescue their children Rosie and George and friends from a riptide current off a holiday beach in Portugal.

Nationwide bank clerk Deborah and Robert, an architect, died rescuing the children from the waves.

The Frys were staying at their own holiday home with family friends Dean and Susan Plumb and Jean Dinsmore and her husband Roy, and their children Lydia and Alex.

The girls, both keen on sport and dancing, are pupils at Wootton Bassett School.

Karen said: "Deborah was a great mother. She was a wonderful friend and neighbour.

"When I first moved to the area she was the first person to welcome me in for a cup of tea and a chat.

"I know she would have been the first person into the sea to save her kids. Her children meant absolutely everything to her.

"They were such a lovely family and were well-known in the area for their giving nature. I will not be the only person who will be shedding a tear."

Police are to interview Mr Plumb, an accountant from Wootton Bassett, and his wife, who were on the beach, in a bid to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.

Mark Bryce's daughter is one of Lydia Dinsmore's best friends.

"I am still in shock by what's happened," he said. "I have had the painful task of breaking the news to my daughter who is best friends with Lydia and who will be devastated.

"We met Jean through Lydia when the children started school and through her came to know Rob and Deb quite well."

Violet Looms, 87, has lived on Springfield Crescent for 46 years.

She said she had known Debbie almost her whole life. "Deb was a lovely girl, a beautiful girl and always had the time to stop and natter," said Violet.