A radio presenter has been killed live on air in Brazil.

Gleydson Carvalho was slain by two gunmen who burst into his studio during his regular midday slot yesterday.

They overpowered a receptionist before forcing their way into Carvalho's recording studio and ordering his sound engineer to take cover under a table.

They then shot the radio presenter, known as a staunch critic of government corruption, three times - once in the head and twice in the chest.

Gleydson Carvalho was slain by two gunmen who burst into his studio during his regular midday slot yesterday

They shot the radio presenter, known as a staunch critic of government corruption, three times - once in the head and twice in the chest

The horrific murder occurred around 12.40pm local time on Thursday at Radio Liberdade FM in Camocim, a beach resort in the north-eastern state of Ceara.

The killers escaped on a white motorbike while their victim was rushed to hospital. He died on route.

It is understood the attack happened during a musical interlude during the radio programme.

Another radio employee announced the programme presenter had been shot and was receiving medical attention before it continued with music.

Carvalho was known locally for his attacks on local government corruption.

Friend Autran Santos said he would often receive threats live on air.

He said: 'He spoke to me constantly about the threats but said he wasn't afraid.

'The most serious threats he received were to do with politics. He said he had enemies because of the accusations he made.'

Carvalho's lawyer Marcos Coelho added: 'I never imagined something like this could happen in our city.