The widow of a British man killed by a shark in the Seychelles has paid tribute to her “handsome and caring” husband.

Gemma Redmond said she and her husband Ian were “having so much fun” on their dream honeymoon in the Indian Ocean archipelago before it turned to disaster on Tuesday.

In an emotional tribute, she said: “Myself, our families and our friends are devastated and shocked by what has happened. The loss of Ian has left a gaping hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

“He was always calm and collected, strong and brave, witty and intelligent, handsome and caring, a remarkable individual who will be deeply and sorely missed. We are privileged and proud to have shared our lives with him.”

Mr Redmond, 30, from Nelson, Lancashire, was savaged by the shark off Anse Lazio beach on Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles.

One onlooker described his widow saying she “still had hope” for her husband while he lay on the sand with horrific injuries after the attack.

Earlier this month a 36-year-old French tourist was killed by a shark in the same area and government officials have issued a ban on swimming in certain areas until the killer fish is captured.

Mrs Redmond said in a statement released by the Foreign Office: “My husband and my best friend was tragically killed yesterday. I loved him so much and he was a very special husband, a thoughtful son and a devoted brother.

“He worked tirelessly to give us both a wonderful married life and home and I want to thank him for nine years of joy. We were having so much fun and we were so excited about our future together.”

It was reported that the parents of Mr Redmond and his wife were travelling to the Seychelles following the attack.