An elderly British tourist and her friend from New Zealand were killed by an elephant while on a walking safari in Zambia today, police said.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park. 

Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the elephant in a desperate attempt to stop it from charging at the women. 

The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots, but the guides were unable to prevent the attack and both women died at the scene, police said.

Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats.

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate encounters with elephants in different parts of Zambia. 

In both cases, the tourists were also elderly women and were on a safari vehicle when they were attacked.

Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed by an elephant during a safari drive in Zambia on June 19 last year. 

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park (pictured)

The attack came after her group stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone due to traffic caused by a herd, and left the vehicle in breach of National Park regulations. 

In a separate incident, Gail Mattson, 79, from Minnesota, was killed during a game drive in Zambia’s Kafue National Park. 

The animal charged towards the truck she was in and flipped it over, killing Mattson and injuring five others. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.