PRESS ASSOCIATION -- A British man has been shot dead and his brother injured while on holiday in Venezuela, a family friend has confirmed.
Thomas Ossel, from Bedfordshire, was fatally shot in the jaw while his brother Jack was wounded, but survived.
Jacqueline Baxter, a friend of the family, said: "At the moment their father has travelled to Venezuela and obviously their mum is not able to make a statement. The younger son is still out there, so he is still at considerable risk."
A Venezuelan police official, Luis Garavin, told radio station Union Radio that the brothers had left Margarita Island to return home. He said officers believe that gunmen were trying to rob the pair, and opened fire when they resisted.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the death of Mr Ossel.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British National on Margarita Island in Venezuela on July 18. We are providing consular assistance for the family."
Thomas Ossel, 28, and his 21-year-old brother were staying in a hotel called Posada Casa Rosa, according to a Venezuelan news website.
Friends paid tribute to Mr Ossel on Twitter. One with the username @princessgwynn said: "Sad and shocking news...RIP Tom Ossel...u will be missed...love and thoughts go out to ur family and friends :( xxx"
Another, called @Venkman_Project said: "Woah. Just heard some genuinely shocking news. Old classmate shot and killed in Venezuela. RIP Tom."
Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that street crime in Venezuela is high, and that armed muggings and "express kidnappings" - opportunistic abductions to extort money from someone - are regular occurrences. It says that resistance to robberies has resulted in people being shot dead.