Teenager dies in skiing accident in Meribel

A 17-year-old boy from the UK has been killed while on a skiing holiday in the French Alps.

The teenager was with a group of friends when he lost control on a slope in Meribel, the same resort where former F1 world champion Michael Schumacher suffered a brain injury in 2013.

Police say the boy was going too fast down an intermediate blue piste despite signs asking skiers to slow down ahead of an intersection.

He lost balance and smashed into the slope at 10.35am on Wednesday.

Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered injuries to his face and, according to mountain rescuers, also sustained significant internal injuries to his chest.

The resort has not had significant snowfall for nearly two weeks and police believe the hardness of the piste contributed to the severity of the accident.

Mountain rescuers were on the scene within 10 minutes and found the teenager in cardiac arrest.

Despite multiple attempts at resuscitation, it became apparent when the medic arrived in a helicopter that nothing could be done to save him.

The authorities are investigating the incident.

Manu Dupost, a member of the mountain rescue team, said: "My message to the English public is to please be careful.

"Ski slopes are dangerous and it's important to be cautious with your speed to help avoid an accident and keep you safe."