Holidaymakers visiting Sharm el-Sheik on the Red Sea are being advised to stay out of the water following attacks by sharks which left four swimmers badly injured and resulted in the death of a German woman. First Choice and Thomson have both warned travellers to stay out of the sea.

The British Foreign Office has also issued a warning that those visiting the popular winter holiday destination should be aware of the dangers. On Saturday, an elderly woman died after an oceanic white tip ripped her arm off in a frenzied attack. Earlier in the week, a Ukrainian and three Russians were injured in similar attacks.

First Choice and Thomson said tour representatives in Sharm el-Sheik were asking customers to avoid entering the sea. Both companies have confirmed that all water-based activities would be cancelled until further notice. They added that they would be keeping a close eye on the situation and that customers would be updated accordingly.

The Egyptian Environment Ministry said two potential predators had been caught on Thursday. Experts suspect that the white tip may have been lured into the shore by over fishing and the presence of animal carcasses dumped over board by ships transporting sheep and cattle from Australia to Egypt.

The Foreign Office has said on its website that attacks by sharks of any kind are extremely rare in the waters of the Red Sea. It advises travellers who do intend to snorkel never to do so alone and for divers to research the company they are diving with.