A Totton woman has flown to South Africa after her mother was shot dead and her stepfather seriously injured by a gunman who tried to rob them outside their hotel.

Karen Hill, 35, of Lackford Avenue, has gone to comfort stepfather Jon Conway who is in a critical condition after being shot in the neck.

Her mother Diane Conway, 60, and 55-year-old retired army major Jon, were on holiday in Pilgrims Rest, eastern Mpumalanga province and were due to return home tomorrow.

They were strolling back to their chalet in the grounds of the Royal Hotel when they were approached by a man demanding money.

Police say the couple grappled with the man before he became aggressive and pulled a 9mm pistol and fired three shots.

Mrs Conway was shot in the stomach and died at the scene.

Mrs Hill flew out last night after her and her husband Barry, 42, were informed of the tragedy at midnight that night by local police who called at their home.

Mr Hill has stayed at home to look after the couple's two children Chloe, nine and Bailey, seven.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Hill said this morning: "We were told that Diane and her husband had both been involved in a shooting.

"Diane had been fatally shot and Jon had been injured in the neck and was in a critical but stable condition.

"Police were unable to give us any further details at that stage.

"Karen was obviously devastated by the news. She was very close to her mother.

"They spoke on the phone two or three times a week and saw each other every two or three weeks, either here in Totton or at their home in Warminster."

Mr Hill said Mr and Mrs Conway were on their first visit to South Africa and added: "Our two children are absolutely devastated that their granny has been killed.

"We decided to tell them the truth because we knew the news would come out anyway.

"They are both off school today but are being very resilient."

Mr Hill said Mr Conway was expected to fly home next week.

"Being ex-army he is very fit for a man of his age.

"He's not able to speak as a result of his injuries but is already sitting up in bed and has given written answers to the police."