A tourist has been shot dead with a bow and arrow by an indigenous tribe living on a remote protected island in the Indian Ocean.

The American missionary was called John Allen Chau and he had travelled to North Sentinel Island - one of the world's most isolated islands - with the intention of converting the people who live there to Christianity.

North Sentinel Island is situated within the Andaman Islands and to say the people of this particular island wish to be left alone is something of an understatement.

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The 27-year-old paid fisherman to help him get across to the island, but it appears as if he was killed by the locals as soon as he arrived there.

The indigenous people of North Sentinel are protected by law and it is illegal to go over to the island - not that you'd want to, given that they have a reputation for killing anyone who tries.

Credit: Indian Coastguard/Survival International

It is also important that the Sentinelese are left alone because they could be susceptible to diseases.

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Police have since arrested seven people in relation to the case, believed to be the fishermen who took Chau across to the island.

According to International Christian Concern, Chau had become very keen to meet with the Sentinelese after hearing of their existence. He had made several trips to the nearby islands before finally paying the fishermen to get him out to North Sentinel so that he could interact with the tribe.

A spokesperson for International Christian Concern said: "We here at International Christian Concern are extremely concerned by the reports of an American missionary being murdered in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to both John's family and friends. A full investigation must be launched in this this murder and those responsible must be brought to justice."

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Police sources said: "He tried to reach the Sentinel island on November 14 but could not make it.

"Two days later he went well prepared. He left the dingy midway and took a canoe all by himself to the island.

"He was attacked by arrows, but he continued walking. The fishermen saw the tribesmen tying a rope around his neck and dragging his body.

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"They were scared and fled but returned next morning to find his body on the sea shore."

Credit: Survival International

A spokesperson for the US Consulate said: "We are aware of reports concerning a US citizen in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"When a US citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts."

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There are thought to be around 150 people on North Sentinel Island and they violently shun all contact with the outside world.