Rihanna's cousin, the sister of the 21-year-old shot dead in Barbados on Boxing Day, has spoken out to say he did not deserve to die and that he "didn't go looking for trouble".

Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne was reportedly walking through the Eden Lodge area of St Michael's on the island when he was shot by a gunman several times before 7pm on 26 December.

The BBC reports gun crime has been rife on the island in recent months, with police confirming a significant increase.

In response to the news of his death, Rihanna posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together and writing: "RIP cousin... can't believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!

"Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man!." She added the hashtag #endgunviolence in the emotional post.

In February Tavon had shared a heartfelt message with a photo of him and Rihanna celebrating her 29th birthday.

"Your presence in my life is a source of joy and happiness," he wrote.

Rihanna also recently shared a video of Tavon walking with his family, with her music heard playing in the background, where he said: "It's nice to wake up and see all your brothers and sisters."

"Be grateful for life man," Rihanna wrote.

Tanella Alleyne, 22, told the Daily Mail that her brother "wasn't a saint, but he didn't go looking for trouble".

She described her brother as a faithful Christian and said earlier he had asked her to pray with her and take a photo together. Their family life was reportedly difficult - Alleyne said their mother died when they were young and their father was never around.

"Then everyone separated, we never lived together until recently," she said. "This was our first Christmas together, the first time we've ever lived together."