A British man and his son have been put under house arrest after a suspected burglar died at their villa in Portugal, according to reports.

Sky News reports that the pair caught the suspect during an apparent break-in, restrained him and called the police in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The man died after being put in a choke-hold at the villa between Vilamoura and Quarteira on the Algarve, according to reports.

It is thought the suspect was still alive when police first arrived at the scene.

The father lives at the property with his wife and son and the couple are both believed to be aged in their 50s.

The man and his son, who is in his 20s, are believed to have sustained minor injuries and have been questioned by police but not arrested.

However, the pair have been put under house arrest which means if they want to leave the neighbourhood they have to inform the Portuguese authorities.

Now it is up to the public prosecutor to decide if legal action is brought.

The man died, or was declared dead, while the police were present, Sky News report. Police are reported to have been handcuffing the man when it was established he was dead.B

Portuguese media are reporting the man was found with some of the family's possessions in his pockets, including the keys to their silver Jaguar.

Brunt said the house appears to be owned by a retired businessman and his family from East London.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place to determine the exact cause of the man's death.

Under Portuguese law, self-defence is allowed for people to protect their property.

Nevertheless, it must be proportional to the danger that people at the property are under.