A British lawyer has become the fifth tourist to die in a suspected mass drink-spiking case in Laos.

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, in the London Borough of Bromley, became ill last week after she is suspected to have unknowingly drunk methanol at a bar in Vang Vient.

An Australian teenager, two Danish women in their 20s, and an American man are also reported to have died in the backpacking destination.

At least seven others, including other British holidaymakers, were taken to hospital.

Many of the victims, most guests at the Nana Backpacker hostel, became ill after drinking alcohol on the night of Nov 12.