The pair had been holidaying on a P
The pair had been holidaying on P&O Ventura's sister ship Adonia (WikiComms)

Two British holidaymakers were shot by street robbers during a cruise stopover on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

The pair - believed to be a man in his 70s and a woman in her 50s - were reported to have been attacked as they made their way back to P&O's Adonia after sightseeing on the island.

The incident was confirmed by the Foreign Office, which is providing consular assistance. It is believed the man was shot in the pelvis and the woman was hit in the thigh. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

P&O said: "Two passengers on Adonia have been hospitalised in Bridgetown, Barbados, following an incident onshore. Local authorities are investigating.

"Our shoreside customer care team and ship's medical team are providing support as necessary.

"Adonia is on an 85-night world cruise which left Southampton on January 8, 2013 and will arrive back in Southampton on April 3, 2013."

A spokesman for the Royal Barbados Police said: "Two British tourists, a couple, received gunshot wounds.

"It appears the incident was a robbery. The female's handbag was stolen.

"They are receiving medical attention but are not in a life threatening condition.

"The incident occurred on the outskirts of Bridgetown. We believe the couple were making their way back to their cruise ship."