A TRAVEL company has launched an investigation after a seven-year-old drowned in a swimming pool on the first day of a family holiday in Egypt.

Football fan Alfie Gray died in hospital after the incident on Tuesday July 7.

It is understood his family, from Crawley, arrived at the Reef Oasis Beach Resort in Sharm el-Sheikh the day before.

Alfie played for Crawley Town Boys football club under 7s team and had competed in the Furngate Sixes football tournament the week before.

His teammates held a minute’s silence before taking part in a football tournament in Maidenbower Park on Saturday.

Club secretary Simon Pearce said: "Our thoughts are with his family and we will offer our support to the family where we can and to the boys that are in the team."

Jason Edwards, a spokesman for travel agent Holiday Gems, said: “Needless to say the family is absolutely devastated - we are in regular contact with them.

“A full and thorough investigation is currently being carried out into the circumstances leading to this tragic accident.

“Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the entire family at this extremely sad time.

“Holiday Gems are currently providing full support and assistance to the family and are working closely with the tour operator, the local authorities and the hotel management.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Sharm el-Sheikh on July 7, 2015. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time."

The West Sussex coroner is due to open an inquest.