Six hikers have died after being caught in a forest fire on a mountain in Indonesia, officials said.

At least three other hikers were severely injured in the accident on the slope of Lawu Mountain on the country's main Java island, said Yatmo, a spokesman for the local search and rescue agency.

The bodies of the victims were being taken to nearby hospitals, added Yatmo.

They were among more than a dozen hikers who were caught in a fire that raced through forests on the 10,700ft mountain on the border between East and Central Java provinces.

The blaze is believed to have been caused by a bonfire set by hikers.

Another hiking group of 13 senior high school students was evacuated safely.