The Laos government has said it is “profoundly saddened” and is investigating the deaths of six people from suspected methanol poisoning, including a British lawyer. Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, was one of a number of people taken to hospital after the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.

What is methanol, symptoms of methanol poisoning and how can tourists avoid it after Laos deaths? - Foreign Office advises tourists how to avoid alcohol that may be accidentally toxic or may be counte

Briton Simone White has died after a suspected methanol poisoning thought to have killed four others in Laos, south-east Asia. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities."