Two members of an expedition who were injured in a polar bear attack in which a 17-year-old boy was killed were returning to the UK yesterday, the trip organisers said.

Scott Bennell-Smith and Patrick Flinders were being flown back to Britain under the care of a specialist medical evacuation team, the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) confirmed, and admitted to hospital there.

Eton schoolboy Horatio Chapple died in the horrific attack in Svalbard, Norway on Friday, and four others were injured when the massive predator attacked their group.

The five men and boys were part of a group camping on the Von Postbreen glacier near Longyearbyen on Svalbard, north of the ­Norwegian mainland. They had been researching climate change by studying glaciers and documenting changes since previous expeditions.

The family of aspiring medic Horatio hailed him as a “strong, fearless and kind” boy, who had been “so excited about his plans to be a doctor”. In a statement, they praised his “amazing sense of humour and ability to laugh at himself”.

The family of the teenager, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, said: “He was on the cusp of adulthood and had a clear vision of where his life was going.”

Eton College said in a statement: “Horatio was a very well-liked member of the school and respected by masters and boys alike. His loss is devastating to those who knew him. We extend our sympathy and condolences to Horatio’s family and friends.”

The schoolboy’s body was due to be transported from Svalbard to Tromso by plane.

Plans are being made to bring home the two other members of the party who were injured - Michael “Spike” Reid, the expedition leader who shot the bear, and Andy Ruck - when medics and transport authorities allow.

Mr Reid’s father spoke of his pride at his son’s bravery.

Peter Reid, 65, from Plymouth, said: “He told us the bear attacked the tent with three people in it, and he and another leader went to help and were viciously attacked by the bear. He managed to get away, ran to get a gun and shot the bear.”

Michael Reid, 29, who lives in London and works as an events co-ordinator for the Royal Geographical Society, sustained injuries to his face and neck.

Fellow leader Mr Ruck, 27, believed to be from Aberdeen, was also seriously hurt.

Mr Scott, 17, from Cornwall, and Patrick, 16, from Jersey, who was said to have punched the 250kg bear on the nose to escape, sustained less serious wounds.

Peter Reid said he was “very anxious”but he added “We’re upset, but there’s a family in Wiltshire with a 17-year-old son who’s been killed and we can’t imagine the grief they’re going through.”

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