Rodrigo Friscione via Getty Images The man's hand was found in a tiger shark's stomach (file picture)

A British tourist who went missing while snorkelling off La Reunion island in the Indian Ocean is feared to have been eaten by a tiger shark after his severed hand was found inside one of the animal’s stomachs.

The man, reported to be a 44-year-old from Scotland, vanished while swimming in Hermitage Lagoon on Saturday, during a holiday with his family.

His remains were identified by his wife who recognised his wedding ring, local channel Reunion La 1ere said.

The shark was among several caught on Monday and Tuesday in the Indian Ocean by the Centre de Securite Requin (CSR) for research purposes.

It was found just over four miles (7km) from the lagoon where the victim was last seen.

The shark was examined on Wednesday morning.

A post-mortem examination on the man has yet to take place, and it is not yet known whether he drowned and was subsequently eaten by the shark, or whether he was attacked by it.

Swimming and surfing has been banned in Reunion – a French overseas territory – since the summer of 2013.

It is only permitted in the shallow waters of the island’s lagoons.

French President Emmanuel Macron said last month that he would like to see water sports reintroduced by 2022, but added that he wanted “to be sure” that it would be safe to do so.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are providing support to the family of a British man who died while snorkelling in La Reunion island and are in contact with the local authorities.”