IRTA employee Gary McLaren died last night in a firework explosion in Thailand.

Mr McLaren, who also used to work for the Suzuki MotoGP team, died when a firework he was trying to light exploded in the seaside town of Pattaya.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said they were supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand.

Lt Col Somboon Ua-samanmaitree of the Thai Tourist Police said: “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.”

IRTA boss Mike Trimby said: “This is a terrible tragedy. He had recently brought his fiancé over to England to meet his parents and they planned to get married. It was the happiest time of his life. A couple of his colleagues were out there with him.They are absolutely shell-shocked.

“He was such a good worker and fitted in so well when he came to join us from Suzuki. Our deepest sympathy goes to his fiancé Jasmin and his family.”