A former Norfolk couple who were shot and robbed while on the Caribbean island of Barbados are today continuing to recover from their terrifying ordeal. Ann Prior was released from hospital yesterday, while her husband, Philip, is said to be in 'good spirits'.

The couple, from Bedfield, near Framlingham, formerly of Needham, near Harleston, were returning to a cruise ship following a stopover in the capital, Bridgetown, when they were attacked.

Mr Prior, 72, was hit on his left side and his wife, 59, whose handbag was stolen, was shot in her right thigh.

Passers-by tended their wounds, using towels as bandages, until an ambulance arrived to take them to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for emergency treatment.

Royal Barbados Police have confirmed that Mrs Prior has now been discharged but that Mr Prior remains in hospital for continued care.

Officers have also said that two men have been detained over the shooting, which happened close to Bridgetown harbour shortly after 2pm on Sunday.

Insp David Welch, of Royal Barbados Police, said: 'The gentleman, Mr Prior, is resting and is comfortable. He is in good spirits.

'We have two suspects in custody at this time assisting us with our investigation.'

The couple were on a three-month P&O cruise around the Caribbean and South America on board the Adonia, which left Southampton on January 8 and is due to arrive back in the UK on April 3.

Mr Prior and his wife are believed to have moved to Bedfield around three or four years ago, having previously lived in the Harleston area of south Norfolk where Mr Prior was involved with Needham Parish Council.

Mr Prior was clerk to the Bedfield Town Estate, a charity set up to support education, training and welfare of villagers and organisations and help toward the maintenance of the fabric of the parish church.

David Tye, chairman of the trustees, said he spoke to Mrs Prior just before they set off on their trip to wish them 'bon voyage'.

He said Mr Prior was doing an excellent job as clerk and was extremely knowledgeable. 'It's a terrible thing to have happened,' he said. 'On behalf of the trustees, who I know will be absolutely beside themselves, I would like to wish them well.'

Keith Frost, chairman of Bedfield Parish Council, described Mr and Mrs Prior as 'very pleasant' people.

'On behalf of the parish council I wish them well and hope they have a speedy recovery,' he continued. 'We will be in touch as soon as we can be.'

A P&O spokesman said: 'Two passengers on Adonia were hospitalised in Bridgetown, Barbados following an incident on shore on Sunday, March 17. One passenger has since been released from hospital.

'Local authorities are investigating. Our shoreside customer care team and ship's medical team are providing support as necessary.'

A Foreign Office spokesman said they were aware of the incident and providing consular assistance.