Mystery surrounds death of British man, 35, found naked near Italian farmhouse

The naked body of a British man was found in a popular Italian tourist destination with a major investigation underway.

It was reported that local police suspect the death could have been the result of a ritual that had gone wrong, but that this is not confirmed.

According to local media La Sicilia, the body of the 35-year-old was found over the weekend in a field in the Piano Milo area, near Canicattini Bagni, in the Syracuse province of Sicily.

Now named as Benjamin John Braithwaite, born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, his body was found at around 3am on September 13.

A Carabinieri spokesperson confirmed a rope was found nearby, while the presence of injuries or signs of violence — including possible injuries to the neck — remains under investigation.

Investigators are also investigating whether drugs or other substances were present, the spokesperson said.

Police are investigating in Sicily (Getty)

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

An autopsy is scheduled for September 22, with inquiries continuing to establish the circumstances of Mr Braithwaite’s death and its exact legal classification. The Carabinieri spokesperson said there are currently no suspects under investigation currently.

On Saturday, an image of a goat’s head and vials of drugs had also been discovered in old farmhouse in the area.

"Several items that could be linked to esoteric practices were also found, as well as chemical products. A tent was also found in a clearing, reportedly used as a meeting place," local outlet New Sicilia reported.

There is speculation that the death could have been linked to 'esoteric rites', which means hidden or secret spiritual ceremonies. However, there was no evidence linked to esoteric rituals found near the body, according to authorities.

A spokesperson added: “A drawing with esoteric connotations was found on a perimeter wall of the property. It was not near the location where the body was found.”

The mayor of Canicattini Bagni, Paolo Amenta, said: "It's always a shame when a life so young is lost. The young people who chose to live in those areas are also graduates who chose to leave everything behind. We hope the investigations can clarify what happened.

"These are people I've met in the evenings, especially during events organized in the village. They've always been kind. They live in reorganized villages surrounded by nature."

The prosecutor's office has ordered an autopsy, which will be performed in the coming days.

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