A journalist has died in a tragic accident while on holiday in Cambodia after inadvertently snorting heroin.

David Hunt, 36, of Southampton, worked for Southsea-based news agency M&Y as a news and sports reporter.

He was found dead at a hotel room in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh along with a friend, businessman Mark Ganley.

The two men, who were found with bloodied noses, are thought to have died of overdoses after inadvertently snorting heroin, believing it to be cocaine.

It is commonplace for Cambodian drug pushers to sell heroin to tourists who ask for cocaine, which is more expensive.

The practice is thought to account for a dozen deaths in the capital every year.

Mr Hunt’s sister Kate Sanderson said: “This was a tragic accident and we are devastated at our loss.

“Both David and Mark were talented individuals and were hugely loved and respected by family and friends alike. They will be sadly missed.”

Mr Hunt had been a journalist for three years and would often cover Saints games in nearby Southampton.

A full investigation into the two men’s deaths has been launched.