TWO Salisbury brothers killed in a “freak accident” on a family holiday in Cornwall have been described as “happy, kind, intelligent and loving”.

Doctor Robert Allen and his brother Charles were swept into the sea off Treyarnon Bay near Padstow last Monday afternoon while fishing off high rocks.

Their father, Anthony, said the brothers were “experienced fishermen” and were in a safe position when a freak wave “wrapped around the rock” and knocked Robert, 30, into the water.

Mr Allen told the Journal: “Charles could immediately see his brother was in need of help, so he clambered down to even lower rocks where it’s more dangerous.”

Charles, 21, climbed down to help his brother, but was hit by a second wave and was swept into the water.

Charles was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, and Robert’s body was found on Monday, a week after the accident.

The pair, both based in Bristol, were former Bishop Wordsworth’s School students, and their family still live in Salisbury.

Mr Allen and his wife, Margaret, said: “Our sons were happy, kind, intelligent, loving brothers and we are in a state of shock at what has happened.

“We are living a nightmare that you would never want to happen to anyone.”

They added: “Charles was a hard-working, loving son and Robert was a research associate of Bath University, specialising in 3D printing.

“They both loved being part of our large family and had recently become uncles”.

“They took their fishing seriously and would study timetables and forecasts before venturing out.

“They were experienced fishermen but a freak accident has changed our lives forever and it is difficult to find words to explain our pain.

“We would like to thank all of the rescue teams involved in the recovery of Charles and the later search for Robert.

“We ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time”

Gary Lock, head of the department of mechanical engineering at the University of Bath said: “Robert has been an outstanding young academic researcher, generating world-leading research in the field of 3D printing.

“His enthusiasm, depth of knowledge and respect for his field has been inspiring.

“All of us who have had the privilege to work with him and learn from him will carry some of that spirit forward with us into the future.”

Bishop’s headteacher Stuart Smallwood said: “It is very sad to hear about such a terrible event for two brothers.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boys’ parents and their many friends both in the local area and across the country’.