Four people have died and a ten others are in hospital in Laos after allegedly being served drinks laced with methanol.

The drinks ingested by those who have now died or become unwell were allegedly free shots.

According to reports, six British travellers are among those hospitalised in Laos.

Two Danish women in their 20s and a 56-year-old US citizen are reported to have died in what authorities fear was a mass poisoning.

On Thursday, it was confirmed that Bianca Jones, an Australian woman, had become the fourth person to die.

Ms Jones' friend, Holly Bowles, is being treated in hospital after calling for medical help at their accommodation.

Warning

According to The Times, British traveller Simone White became sick last week in Vang Vieng - a resort popular with backpackers.

A friend of Ms White's friend posted on a Laos Backpacking Facebook group to warn other travellers.

"Urgent - please avoid all local spirits," she wrote.

"Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars.

"Just avoid them as so not worth it.

"Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning."

Image shows two alcoholic shots. Image: Stock