The identities of two guests who drowned in a swimming pool at a country hotel in Hatfield Heath are expected to be revealed today, as a coroner’s inquest is opened.

Essex Police said a provisional post-mortem examination found that the deaths of a man in his early 30s and a woman in her early 20s were consistent with drowning.

The families of the victims have asked for their names not to be released before the opening of an inquest, which will take place at 2pm today in Chelmsford.

The pair were found underwater on Saturday night and efforts made by staff and paramedics to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.

Their relationship is still not known.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “The provisional results of the post mortem examinations on the man and woman has shown that both their deaths were consistent with drowning.

“Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to their deaths but are treating them as non-suspicious. Further routine tests will be undertaken and a report will be prepared for the HM Coroner’s Inquest hearing.”

Chris Falcus, manager of the hotel said: “We are devastated by this tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those concerned.

“As soon as the alarm was raised two of our team dived into the pool and did everything they could to try to save them.

“We are co-operating fully with the police investigation.”

Chief Inspector Nick Lee, Uttlesford District Commander, said: “Officers attended the location and on arrival found two people submerged in the swimming pool.

“It is a very tragic set of circumstances. Two people being found in these circumstances is unusual and we are not looking for any other people at the moment.

“I am sure it must have been very traumatic for the guests and we are working closely with the management at the hotel to help the guests.”

The victim’s next of kin have been informed.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to their deaths but are treating them as non-suspicious. Further routine tests will be undertaken and a report will be prepared for the HM Coroner’s Inquest hearing.

These matters will now be the responsibility of the Essex County Council Coroner’s Office.