A man in India has died after a group of monkeys reportedly pelted him with bricks from a tree.

Dharampal Singh was collecting pieces of dry wood in Tikri, Uttar Pradesh, when he was struck by the bricks, which hit his head and chest.

The animals had collected the bricks from a dilapidated building nearby, according to The Times of India.

Singh later died in hospital.

His family have now lodged a formal complaint about the incident with officers at Doghat police station in Uttar Pradesh.

Officers are refusing to proceed with a case against the animals.

“Monkeys threw more than 20 bricks at Dharampal on Thursday,” said Krishapal Singh, the 72-year-old’s brother.

“He was hit on the head, chest and legs. Thrown from quite a height, the bricks were enough to kill him.

“These rogue monkeys are the real culprits and must pay for it.”

Police officers have declared Singh’s death an accident.

“How can we register the case against monkeys?” said Chitwan Singh, station officer at Doghat police headquarters.

“This will make us a laughing stock.”

Villagers have repeatedly complained about monkeys causing havoc in the area and told The Times of India there was no solution in sight.

Parts of India have a well-documented problem with aggressive monkeys.

In April, a newborn baby was reportedly snatched from his home in eastern India by a monkey.

The infant was later found dead in a well.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

In 2007 the deputy mayor of India’s capital, New Delhi, died following an attack by a horde of monkeys.