A British national has died after being trampled to death by an elephant in India.

The man, who has been named as Colin Manvell died at the Masinagudi National Park, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Local police said Mr Manvell and two other men, a guide and an acquaintance, had entered an area of the forest that was out of bounds to tourists so they could take photos.

It was here the elephant attacked, the police said.

Mr Manvell was seriously injured and treated at the local Masinagudi hospital before being transferred to Gudalur Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The two men with him at the time of the attack have been taken into custody for questioning.

Local guides sought help from the nearby Sagadevan resort, where Mr Manvell was staying.

The Foreign Office confirmed the death, saying: "We are aware of the tragic death of a British national in southern India and we are providing consular assistance at this difficult time."

His family has been informed.