A British man has died in Thailand after a firework reportedly exploded in his face during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Local police said Gary McLaren, 50, was killed when a firework he was trying to light exploded during a visit to the resort town of Pattaya.

He died at the scene shortly after midnight, according to reports.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said it was supporting the family.

Lt Col Somboon Ua-samanmaitree, from the Thai Tourist Police, told the BBC: “Around midnight, Mr McLaren attempted to light up a large firework but it failed to go off at first.

“After that, it suddenly exploded and killed him at the scene.”

McLaren’s friends were seen crying at the scene, where a large firework was found and taken for evidence, the Bangkok Post reported.

Police told the BBC that McLaren had visited Thailand before and had arrived a few days prior to New Year’s Eve.