A couple say they were unwell at the same hotel in Egypt where a husband and wife suddenly died within hours of each other.

Martin Locke and his girlfriend Ashley Bruce went down with sickness, diarrhoea and painful stomach cramps just days after arriving at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel.

Tour operator Thomas Cook commissioned specialists to examine facilities at the site after holidaymakers John and Susan Cooper, aged 69 and 63, died last month while staying there.

The company’s tests revealed high levels of E. coli and staphylococcus bacteria.

Martin and Ashley Bruce continued to suffer symptoms despite being prescribed medication from the on-site pharmacy.

The Chatham residents booked into the all-inclusive hotel at the resort of Hurghada from June 8 on their first holiday together.

They remained poorly after flying home as planned on June 16.

Martin, 29, a forensic strategy analyst, said: “We were really looking forward to a nice relaxing break, but it turned out to be anything but the five-star service we were hoping for.

“There were flies often around uncovered food and on occasion these would end up in the food." - Martin Locke

“There were parts of the hotel which were dirty, food in the restaurants was often undercooked and left out uncovered for extended periods, despite the weather being boiling hot.

“There were flies often around uncovered food and on occasion these would end up in the food.

“The cutlery, crockery and table linen was frequently dirty.

“Somehow despite the symptoms we managed to fly home.

“However, even though we were home it was not the end.

“We continued feeling sick and we were totally wiped out.”

His 24-year-old partner, an administrative assistant, said: “It was bad enough being poorly, but to now find out that lots of other holidaymakers at the hotel suffered similar problems is terrible.

“We now want answers as to why so many people who stayed at the same hotel over several months fell ill.”

Specialist lawyers Irwin Mitchell has been instructed by 46 former guests of the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel, including Martin and Ashley.

Thomas Cook is continuing to look into the matter.