A grim warning has been issued to Australians following the deaths of Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowle, who died in Laos after suspected methanol poisonings.

Police in Laos have detained the manager and seven staff members of a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning, state media reported Tuesday. Two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton and two Australians died following what media said was a night out in the town on November 12.