Naked body of Brit, 35, found as cops fear he was killed in ‘ritual gone wrong’ near off-grid community in Italy

A BRIT’S naked body has been found in Italy – with local cops fearing he was killed in a “ritual gone wrong”. The man, 35, was found lifeless on Saturday night near a remote off-grid community in Sicily, police said. His undressed body was discovered in a tent near a farmhouse which contained a rope, psychotropic drugs and a goat’s head, according to La Sicilia. Local media have speculated the Brit’s death was linked to “esoteric rites”. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It is understood the Brit had been staying in the remote region for several days. An investigation has been launched into the mysterious circumstances of the man’s death. The recluse community is known to nearby locals and they have rarely caused any disturbances, reports say. Canicattini Bagni’s mayor Paolo Amenta told MeridioNews: “They have never caused any problems with public order or otherwise. “And, in fact, they have even had some contact with our community.” The Brit’s body was also found near a tent used as a meeting place for the community. Most read in The Sun Fears are mounting the death may have been the result of a botched “ritual”. Locals call members of the secluded group “hippies” or “flower children”. “They are mostly nomadic people passing through,” Amenta said. “They stay in the area for an average of ten days to a month. Some, however, stay longer.” Some are believed to be squatters who use empty farmhouses, while others reside in campsites on open land for days. Permanent homes have also been set up in some cases, using inherited or purchased land. “They also welcome friends who share the same lifestyle,” the mayor added. “Among them are children or young graduates from foreign countries who wish to live a freer life.” An autopsy of the man’s body will take place in the coming days as the probe continues. The Sun reached out to the Foreign Office for comment. Comment now