Investigation into Leeds man’s death in Sicily

The death of a British man whose body was found in Sicily is being investigated, the Italian authorities have confirmed.

Benjamin John Braithwaite, 35, from Leeds, was found dead at about 03:00 BST local time on Sunday near Noto in the Province of Syracuse, a spokesperson for the Italian police, the Carabinieri, said.

The spokesperson confirmed a rope was found nearby, while the presence of injuries or signs of violence, including possible injuries to the neck, remained under investigation.

A British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in touch with the local authorities.”

Investigators in Sicily confirmed they were also investigating whether drugs or other substances were present.

While a “drawing with esoteric connotations” was found on a wall on the perimeter of the property, no evidence linked to esoteric rituals was found near the body, despite local reports, authorities said.

The investigation was being handled by Carabinieri based in Noto, co-ordinated by the public prosecutor’s office of the court of Syracuse.

A post-mortem examination was expected to take place on 22 September, with inquiries continuing to establish the circumstances of the man’s death and its exact legal classification.

The Carabinieri spokesperson said there were currently no suspects under investigation.