Hottest day of year so far for UK

Britain has experienced the hottest day of the year so far as the heatwave continues to sweep the nation.

A level three heat health watch is in place for London and the South East with the elderly and young, and those with chronic health conditions, urged to take extra care.

Temperatures reached 32.2C (90F) at Hampton in Surrey, making it the warmest weather since Saturday, when a high of 31.4C (88.5F) was recorded at Heathrow Airport.

Forecasters have said Britain is in the midst of its first prolonged heatwave since 2006, with six consecutive days of temperatures above 30C (86F).

Police and fire chiefs reiterated warnings about escaping the heat by swimming in open water after four people died in separate incidents on Tuesday.

A 16-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man, from King's Lynn, were found dead in separate lakes at Bawsey Pits, Norfolk. It is believed the man had swum about 50 yards (45m) out in one of the flooded quarries towards an island when he was seen disappearing below the water.

In an unrelated incident, the teenager was reported missing at another lake about half a mile (0.8km) away.

A man died after getting into difficulties near the confluence of the Rivers Dee and Ceiriog on the Shropshire/North Wales border. Believed to be a 21-year-old from Shropshire, he was airlifted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital last night but emergency services were unable to save his life.

Meanwhile, a 40-year-old woman from Saltash, died while swimming in the sea at Seaton, near Torpoint in Cornwall. Police said she had suffered a "medical episode" and was pulled from the water by an off-duty officer.

Public Health England (PHE) officials advised people to stay cool, drink lots of cold fluids and keep an eye those they know to be at risk.