A Bromley mum was shot by a gang after accidentally driving into a slum in Brazil.

Eloise Dixon, her husband Max Dixon and their three daughters aged 13, eight and seven were reportedly looking for water when they were shot at, leaving Mrs Dixon wounded.

Mr Dixon, 46, an ex-paratrooper, reportedly floored the bullet ridden hire car after two bullets struck his wife.

His mum Hazel Dixon, 76, said: "Max phoned me first in the middle of Poldark at about ten past nine and literally said Eloise had been shot, I said where and he said in the bowels on a coastal road.

"He said the children are as well as can be expected and that the car was a write off and that it was riddled with bullets.

"He would not have hung around to count the bullet holes.

"He does not panic and if something happens he is the best person to be around considering his training from the paras and fire service, he has first aid too.

"I imagine the children would have been screaming.”

The family, who are thought to live in Hayes, were travelling in Angra dos Reis, a popular coastal holiday destination about 90 miles from Rio de Janeiro, police said.

A language mix-up saw them directed to the Agua Santa neighbourhood, which translates to Holy Water, local press said.

Authorities said a group approached the car at a favela and apparently told the family to get out and then opened fire.

Mr Dixon, who was in the territorial army for 10 years, drove his family to the next village and got help from police.

His mother Hazel added: “Luckily he was driving and they went off down this side road and they got into gang land and they were stopped.

"The tyres were shot and I am led to believe that they were told to get out of the car and they did not, he drove away on flats at high speed as far as I can make out.

"He drove to the next village and turned up at the police station and they drove her to the hospital.

"The fact that he drove off at high speed I suspect that the children were in the back and Eloise was doubled up shot in the stomach.

"There were bullet holes in the sun visor and on the head rest.

"They had gone through the side door and got her in the stomach.

"She just missed the one in the visor, it could have killed her.

"He phoned me to say that she was in theatre and that it was nothing life threatening.

"They were all beside her bed and said he was not sending the children home.

"I could have had my family wiped out, it must have been awful.”

The UK Government advises tourists visiting Brazil to avoid going to favelas.

Official advice said: "All favelas are unpredictably dangerous areas, and remain high risk given the level of violence within them and the severe strain on police resources.

"You’re still at risk even if you visit favelas with organised tours. Violence, particularly aimed at police and officials, can occur at anytime and overspill to areas close to the favelas.

"You should take extra care and be aware of local conditions at all times."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in touch with the local authorities in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, following reports of the shooting of a British national."

Do you know Eloise Dixon and her family? Get in touch on 01689 885725 or email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.