Police investigate woman's death at Sri Lankan hostel

Two women were staying at the Miracle Colombo City Hostel

The sudden death of a 24-year-old British woman staying in a hostel in Sri Lanka is being investigated by police.

Ebony McIntosh, a digital marketing and social media manager from Derby, was taken to hospital in the capital Colombo on Saturday after reportedly suffering from vomiting, nausea and breathing difficulties, Sri Lanka Police said.

Ms McIntosh and German national Nadine Raguse, 26, who was also staying at the Miracle Colombo City Hostel, both died, according to the force.

Sri Lanka Police spokesman Buddhika Manatunga said a room in the hostel had been fumigated to treat bed bugs before they fell ill.

Mr Manatunga said officers were investigating the possibility the women were poisoned by noxious pesticides.

A post-mortem examination will take place after Ms McIntosh's family arrive in Sri Lanka on 10 February, the force spokesman said.

The hostel has been closed until this takes place.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Sri Lanka, and are in contact with the local authorities."