The family of a Scots tourist gored to death by a rampaging elephant in Thailand have branded claims he teased the animal with a banana "nonsense".

Diver Gareth Crowe, 36, from Dunoon, was on a trekking expedition with his family when the attack happened.

Local newspapers reported the elephant threw the tourist from its back before goring him with a tusk and then running into the forest.

It was claimed the animal went on a rampage after Mr Crowe goaded it with a banana before taking it back.

His 16-year-old daughter was also injured in the attack and is being treated for minor injuries in hospital. It is understood a local guide was also hurt.

The attack happened at about 2.30pm local time on Sunday on the island of Koh Samui.

His brother Michael Crowe has revealed the family's ordeal uring the safari trip and refuted claims that Mr Crowe goaded the animal.

He told STV News: "As far as we know it's nonsense, it certainly not part of Gareth's character to do something so silly. He's very responsible.

"He leads large diving teams on a commercial operation so to do an act like feed a live animal during a safari would be completely out of character. On top of this we know it's just not true."

He added: "We don't know a lot about what happened with the accident to be fair. We know he has come off an elephant on a safari ride and he's passed away through the accident.

"Aside from that, that's all we really know. Our main concern is for the family, for his stepson and stepdaughter and his partner Catherine that we get them home as soon as possible.

"They are going through quite an ordeal. They are out there on their own and and our other main concern is getting Gareth home. We know they have been getting some assistance from the chief of tourism (in Thailand), which we really appreciate."

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are offering support to the family of a British national who has sadly died following an incident in Koh Samui, Thailand, and are making contact with the local authorities to seek further information."

The charity World Animal Protection said its thoughts were with the man's loved ones but the incident was a "stark reminder" that elephants are not meant to be ridden.

A spokeswoman said: "Elephants are cruelly abused to tame them enough so they give rides and perform in shows.

"Most tourists don't know about these abuses, or the potential danger they put themselves in. If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with a wild animal, then the chances are it is cruel and the animal is suffering."