Geoffrey Appleyard Tribute

A British tourist died of suspected food poisoning at a luxury hotel at Lake Garda, northern Italy.

Geoffrey Appleyard, 71, from Evesham in Worcs, died early on Sunday after falling ill after dinner hours earlier.

Police have yet to establish a link between the poisoning and his death. A post-mortem examination was being held.

About 30 other Britons at the Grand Hotel at Gardone Riviera fell ill and health officials probing its kitchens believe salmonella is a likely cause.

And 16 of those affected are still recovering in three hospitals around Brescia.

They have been suffering severe vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, although the British consul in Milan says they are not thought to be in any further danger.

Those taken ill were part of a tour group of 300 people visiting the hotel.

Mr Appleyard was treated by paramedics in his hotel room after falling ill, but died shortly afterwards.

Health officials investigating the outbreak said they suspected the fish the guests had been served, but are still analysing samples taken from the hotel kitchen.

The kitchen was closed by the health authorities pending further investigations.