British tourist killed in fatal bear attack
A polar bear has mauled an Eton schoolboy to death and seriously injured four other members of a British group on an island in northern Norway early this morning, according to a report on the BBC.
The group are believed to have been travelling with the British Schools Exploring Society, which organises expeditions for youngsters taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme. They were camping on Svalbard island when the attack happened.
A spokeswoman for DofE said she did not believe the group were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
The Foreign Office confirmed its embassy in Oslo is looking in reports of the incident in the Svalbard district.
The district governor's office said four people were in hospital following the attack at Von Postbreen and they were due to be airlifted to hospital in Tromso, on the mainland, today. The bear has been killed.
Those worried about their relatives are advised to call 0047 7902 4305 or 0047 7902 4302.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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