HOLIDAY TRAGEDY

A local man is warning about the risks of safari holidays following a tragedy in Kenya.

Rick Le Vert, who lives in Donegal, was chased through a forest by an elephant at Castle Forest Lodge. He watched helplessly as it trampled his sister-in-law, Sharon Brown, and baby niece, Margaux, to death. It happened while he was on holiday in Kenya. Rick Le Vert spoke to BBC Radio Foyle's reporter, Enda McClafferty.

Castle Forest Lodge in Kenya said: "Out of respect for the family of the deceased, we do not wish to comment on the very tragic accident that took place. We would like to suggest you to contact Kenyan Wildlife Service, as an un-biased source, who have already given their comments to the media in detail, to verify the issues of Mr. Le Vert."

The Kenyan Wildlife Service said: "Kindly note that Kenyan Wildlife Service responded to initial enquiries based on information that was provided by the Castle Forest Lodge, which however, is not under Kenyan Wildlife Service jurisdiction. The matter has since been taken over by the Kenya Police, and the US Embassy in Nairobi. It would be inappropriate for KWS to make additional comments on a matter that is still under investigation by other law enforcement agencies. All enquiries should therefore be directed to them."