Naked body of Brit found in Italy in suspected 'ritual gone wrong'

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

It is reported that local police suspect the death may have been the result of a ritual that had gone wrong.

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.

On Saturday, an image of a goat’s head and vials of drugs had also been discovered in old farmhouse in the area, and it is thought that the Brit had taken part in a spiritual ritual.

"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.

Police are investigating in Sicily (Getty)

The man's body was discovered in a tent near the farmhouse. There is speculation that the death was linked to 'esoteric rites', which means hidden or secret spiritual ceremonies.

Reports currently suggest police investigators believe the man's death may have been the result of the ritual. A doctor said there were signs of violence on the man's neck. It is alleged the man had been residing within a reclusive community.

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."