Five foreign tourists die from tainted liquor in Laos

Five foreign tourists, including a British lawyer, have died due to a suspected mass methanol poisoning at a nightclub in Laos.

Simone White, from Orpington, Kent, was among a number of people taken to hospital following the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.

Britain's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they were supporting the 28-year-old's family following her death.

Denmark's foreign ministry said two nationals had died after Australia said a young woman died and another was fighting for her life due to poisoning.

An American also reportedly died in Laos following what media said was a night out in a popular backpacker town where they had drunk suspected tainted alcohol.

Australian Bianca Jones, 19, fell ill last week in Vang Vieng, a town in the southeast Asian nation popular with foreign backpackers that is about two hours north of the capital Vientiane by road.

She died after being taken to a hospital in neighbouring Thailand on 13 November.

"The physician who examined her said the cause of death was a methanol poisoning, from fake liquor," a Thai police office said.

"The amount of methanol in her body was high, leading to swelling of the brain."

"This is every parent's worst fear and a nightmare no one should have to endure," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament.

"All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak."

Ms Jones' friend Holly Bowles, also 19, is in critical condition in hospital, Mr Albanese said.

Many of the victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel - with staff being told that guests had fallen ill after they failed to check out on 13 November.

Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the governments of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.

Methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website.

Additional reporting PA