The family of a US man reportedly killed by arrows fired by members of an endangered tribe in India's Andaman and Nicobar islands has said they forgive those who killed him.

Axar.az reports citing BBC that in a statement, they said John Allen Chau "loved God, life, helping those in need, and had nothing but love for the Sentinelese people".

Seven people who helped him reach North Sentinel island have been arrested.

The Indian authorities say it may take "some days" to recover Mr Chau's body.

Outsiders are banned from even approaching the island to protect the people who live there and their way of life.

His family released a statement on Instagram, saying he had gone to the island of "his own free will".