The death of a British man whose body was found in Sicily is being investigated by Italian authorities. Benjamin John Braithwaite, 35, from Leeds, was discovered dead at approximately 03:00 BST local time on Sunday near Noto in the Province of Syracuse, according to a spokesperson for the Italian police, the Carabinieri.
A rope was found nearby, and the presence of injuries or signs of violence, including possible injuries to the neck, remains under investigation. Investigators are also looking into whether drugs or other substances were present.
A "drawing with esoteric connotations" was found on a wall at the property's perimeter, but authorities stated no evidence linked to esoteric rituals was found near the body. The Carabinieri spokesperson confirmed there are currently no suspects under investigation.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in touch with the local authorities." A post-mortem examination is expected to take place on 22 September as inquiries continue to establish the circumstances and legal classification of the death.