A British holidaymaker has been shot and killed on the Venezuelan island of Margarita.

The brother the deceased – named by the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office as 28 year-old Thomas Ossel from Bedfordshire - was also shot and injured during the incident.

Pictured: The Venezuelan island of Margarita is a popular tourist destination

A spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of a British National on Margarita Island in Venezuela on July 18th.

“We are providing consular assistance for the family.”

Mr Ossel and his 21-year-old brother were staying at the Posada Casa Rosa hotel.

Local reports said police believe that gunmen were trying to rob the pair, and opened fire when they resisted.

FCO travel advice warned: “There is a high risk of street crime (often armed) throughout Venezuela, especially in the major cities and on beaches.

“We do not consider Sabana Grande a safe area in which to stay in Caracas; cheap hotels can be found in safer areas such as Chacao, La Castellana and Altamira - although these book up early.

“It is not advisable to visit ‘barrios’ (heavily populated slums), as many of these are unsafe.

“British nationals walking in the Avila National Park have been robbed at gunpoint.”