Police are hunting for a British tourist after the decomposing body of a transgender woman was reportedly found in an apartment in the Colombian city of Medellin.
The victim was found semi-naked with her hands tied behind her back and was only wearing a t-shirt and white socks, local media has reported.
A Medellin-based news website called Minuto30.com said she was found surrounded by blood and appeared to have suffered potentially fatal blows with a heavy object.
The gruesome discovery was made yesterday after locals complained about strong smells coming from the property in a central city neighbourhood called Boston.
It is believed a British man rented the property around a month ago but vanished after neighbours heard loud noises and ‘hurried movements’ in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Neighbour Nicolas Zuluaga told a Medellin-based TV station: ‘We began to notice a strong smell and the owner of the apartment came to check yesterday and then called the authorities.
‘They came and found a body.’
According to respected local newspaper El Colombiano, investigators believe the UK national entered the apartment on a regular basis with people belonging to the local LGBT community.
It was not immediately clear today whether the victim had been formally identified or if police have launched a murder probe.
A post mortem due to take place in the coming hours is expected to provide more details of about cause of death and the victim’s identity.
Jacques Bracamontes, a spokesman for the LGTB community, said: ‘We demand the authorities clarify what happened and take the appropriate action.’
The address where the body was discovered is thought to be on a street called Calle 57 where it meets Carrera 40A in the Medellin neighbourhood of Boston.
Travel guides describe Barrio Boston as a must-visit for tourists interested in exploring Medellin’s cultural heritage.
It is home to the city’s Palace of Fine Arts, Boston Park and the Pablo Tolon Uribe Theatre.