Brit shot dead in the Philippines

A British man has been shot dead in the Philippines. The man, described as a “gentle giant”, was attacked outside the dive shop he owned on Malapascua Island.

Anthony Gilchrist, 35, had been on Malapascua Island for two years and had helped to deliver aid to typhoon-hit victims in the country in November 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan struck.

Police have arrested a man in connection with the attack on Saturday evening at the Fish Buddies Dive Shop.

Mr Gilchrist, from Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey, was shot six times. He was taken on a boat to the mainland but was later pronounced dead.

A family member said that there are plans for a cremation in the Philippines followed by a family service in the UK.

A UK Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the death of a British national in the Philippines on 19 April.

“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”