Turkey has issued a warning to avoid bootleg alcohol in the country after around 103 people were reported to have been fatally poisoned in two major cities since the new year.

It comes after six people including British backpacker and lawyer Simone White, 28, died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted vodka in Laos last year. Methanol is often substituted for ethanol in cheaper, illicit forms of alcohol and can cause blindness, liver damage and death.

Brits heading on holiday to Turkey have been given an urgent warning about drinking alcohol in the country as 103 people have died from poisoning so far this year

A warning has been issued after more than 100 people have died from poisoning by bootleg alcohol in Turkey. The deaths happened in Ankara and Istanbul, NTV reported on Friday, after authorities warned about rising sales of illicit booze being passed off as big name brands.

The deadly poisonings have reportedly been traced back to counterfeit alcohol and the Foreign Office is advising British holidaymakers to exercise extra caution when drinking. The government is urging travellers to only purchase alcohol from licensed liquor stores and bars or hotels.

The Foreign Office today issued an update warning people travelling to Turkey about a potentially lethal problem with alcohol there. Officials have updated their advice after a number of deaths caused by people drinking illegally produced local spirits.