Vietnam bartender arrested over toxic alcohol deaths

A bartender was arrested in Vietnam on Friday for making toxic liquor that led to the death of a British and South African couple in January, state media said.

The bodies of the couple were found at a resort villa in the central city of Hoi An on December 26, without any signs of physical trauma, violence, or a break-in.

Police in Hoi An arrested 46-year-old bartender Le Tan Gia on Friday, state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper said.

Officers concluded Gia had used 70 percent medical alcohol, mixing it with water, lemonade, and sugar to make limoncello on December 24.

"After taking the drinks, the two suffered serious methanol poisoning, leading to their death," the report said.

Police confiscated several used alcohol bottles at the crime scene in January.

The case came after six tourists died of suspected methanol poisoning after a night out in the Laos backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng. (AFP)