The Aberdeen-born mountaineer was attempting to climb the world's second-highest mountain to raise money for the Partners Relief And Development charity.

But the 68-year-old was killed when he was caught in an avalanche on the mountain's southeast face.

His two climbing partners, Jordi Tosas of Spain and Stephan Keck of Austria, were rescued without major injuries.

A statement from the charity said: "Rick, a world-renowned veteran mountaineer, was caught in an avalanche on the south-east face but fortunately his two climbing partners survived.

"Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions.

"Rick was committed to serving the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities ... Campaigning for free, full lives for children affected by conflict and oppression."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman added: "The British High Commission in Islamabad is aware of reports that a British citizen has died climbing K2 and stands ready to assist."

Mr Allen had previously been presumed dead in 2018 after falling from an ice cliff during a solo climb to the summit of Pakistan's Broad Peak that, at 8,047m, is the 12th highest mountain on Earth.

However, his rucksack was eventually spotted by a cook at the mountain's base camp before a drone was used to locate him and to guide rescuers to his location.

Australian Associated Press