Two British tourists who were travelling on board a Southampton-based cruise ship are in hospital after being shot during a stop in the Caribbean.

Police in Barbados said that a man in his 70s and a woman in her 50s were being given emergency treatment after being shot during an attempted robbery in the capital Bridgetown.

It is believed the two passengers were returning to P&O Cruises ship Adonia, when the incident took place.

The man was hit in his left side, while the woman received a gunshot injury to her right thigh.

The pair were among hundreds of holidaymakers travelling on board the Southampton-based liner on an 85-night world cruise, which left Southampton on January 8.

The ship, which is the smallest in the P&O fleet, is due to return to the city on April 3.

A spokesperson from P&O Cruises said: “Two passengers on Adonia have been hospitalised in Bridgetown, Barbados following an incident onshore. Local authorities are investigating.

“Our shore-side customer care team and ship's medical team are providing support as necessary.”

A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of an incident involving two British tourists in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“We are providing consular assistance.”