Two guests found dead in Essex hotel pool Detectives are investigating the deaths of a couple whose bodies were found underwater in the swimming pool of an exclusive country house hotel. The man and women, who have not been named, were staying together at 14th Century Down Hall in Hatfield Heath, Essex. Guests described how the historic Italianate mansion was packed with families attending wedding parties and other functions on Saturday at 7.35pm when the grim discovery was made in the spa area. Staff dived into the water in a desperate bid to save the man, aged in his 30s, and the woman in her 20s, but they could not be resuscitated. Both are believed to be from the London area. Police said they had checked in together but it is not known whether they were among the groups celebrating at the hotel-conference centre. It was reported they were dressed in their swimming costumes when they were found. Detectives are treating their deaths as unexplained. There is understood to be no evidence of foul play. Investigations are continuing. A post mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow. However, no one else is being sought in connection with the incident. Chief Inspector Nick Lee said staff and emergency services had battled "valiantly" to save them. He said: "As part of the investigation we are trying to focus on what the relationship was between the victims." He added: "It's a very busy hotel, there were a number of functions going on. At the moment we haven't ascertained as to whether these individuals were part of any function or not. Investigating officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate described the incident as "very unusual." Set in 110 acres of surrounding woods, parkland and gardens, near Bishop's Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, the four-star venue is a popular place for weddings and business meetings. The building, with its ornate interiors, dates back to 1322 and is close to London and Stansted Airport. Rooms cost from £149 a night. In 2009 it played host to the wedding of the late-Big Brother star Jade Goody and her husband Jack Tweed. Manager Chris Falcus 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 their lives. We are co-operating fully with the police investigation. Guest Louise Saunders had spent two nights at the hotel celebrating a birthday. We heard the ambulance called for as we waited for a taxi last night to go out for a meal. On our return we couldn't get back into the hotel grounds without first [giving] details to police," she said. We were going to use the pool about 5.30pm but decided against it as the pool was busy with families and children. I'm so glad now we didn't," she said. Police and scenes of crime experts spent all night and yesterday at the scene - a separate building to the rest of the 99 room hotel.