Adrian St John: Young British cricketer shot dead in apparent armed robbery while on holiday in Trinidad

Cricketers have paid tribute to the 22-year-old, who was captain of an academy team

Chris Gayle said Adrian St John was the captain of his UK academy team

A young British cricketer has been shot dead during a suspected armed robbery in Trinidad.

Adrian St John, who was on holiday on the island, was reportedly attacked on Sunday night by two men.

The 22-year-old was driving in the Mt D’Or district with a 50-year-old female passenger when he stopped to pick up her daughter and was ambushed, the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian reported.

Police told the newspaper two men robbed him at gunpoint before ordering him to drive off, but opened fire and hit him in the head as he pulled away.

Mr St John was taken to hospital after the attack, at 8.30pm local time, but died shortly afterwards.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Fellow cricketers have been paying tribute to Mr St John, who worked as a recruitment consultant in London and was a Level 2 cricket coach.

West Indies star Chris Gayle wrote on Twitter: “Such sad news to hear. My condolences to his family & friends.”

He said Mr St John was the captain of his academy side.

One of his friends, Tommy Smith, described him as “one of the funniest and nicest people”.

"In utter shock to hear that one of my good friends Adrian has passed away,” he wrote.

"It was absolute pleasure to play with you pal, gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace Adrian St John."

The Dulwich-based Alleyn Cricket Club said members were "devastated" by his death, adding that he represented them 85 times between 2009 and 2014.

Mr St John's cousin, Leandra Alexander, said the cricketer arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in February for the country's annual carnival and was due to return to the UK next Tuesday.

She described him as a "cool and jolly" man, adding: "He was a darling. He was never rude, never disrespectful."

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: ”We are in contact with local authorities following the death of a British national in Trinidad and are ready to provide consular assistance.“