Tributes have been paid to a “talented” Orpington lawyer who is among six tourists to have died from suspected alcohol poisoning in Laos.

Simone White, 28, a previous A-Level student from St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington, died after becoming unwell in the backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng, according to several reports.

In a tribute shared by her law firm, Squire Patton Boggs, they said: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White.

“Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised our firm values.

“Our thoughts go out to all of Simone’s family, friends, and those colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone.

“She will be sincerely missed.”

In comments under the statement on LinkedIn, colleagues also offered their condolences and shared memories.

One colleague said: "Simone was one of the kindest, most genuine and thoughtful people I have ever met.

"She was also hilarious. She was a core part of our friendship group, always organising dinners, drinks and trips away for us.

"She lived life to the fullest and encouraged everyone around her to do the same."

Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old Australian, is the sixth person to die from the suspected poisoning.

Her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, an unnamed US man and two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, are also among the victims.

Many of the victims, mostly guests at Nana Backpacker Hostel, fell ill after drinking on Tuesday night.

It is not known where the contaminated drinks were sold.

Simone's friend, Bethany Clarke, a healthcare worker also from Orpington, took to the Laos Backpacking Facebook group to warn other travellers.

She said: “Urgent — please avoid all local spirits.

“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it.

“Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

The Nana Backpackers Hostel manager told the Associated Press that more than 100 guests received free shots of Lao vodka from their bar on November 12, with no one else reporting health issues.