A New Zealand-born honorary consul to the British High Commission in Jamaica has been found murdered in his Montego Bay home.
John Terry, 65, was discovered outside his home on Wednesday with a cord and item of clothing tied around his neck, the Times Online reported today.
The death has been confirmed by Britain's Foreign Office.
"We can confirm the death of the British honorary consul in Montego Bay," said a Foreign Office spokesman.
"The Jamaican police are investigating the circumstances and we are in close touch with them." Mr Terry had worked in the tourism sector for about 30 years, The Gleaner daily newspaper said.
Originally from New Zealand, Mr Terry was appointed a Member of the British Empire by the Queen in 1993.
The Times Online reported that a trail of bloodstains was found throughout his property and he had been severely beaten.
Police believed that Mr Terry, who was married but separated from his wife, knew his attacker. A note was found on his bed and there were no signs of forced entry at the property.
Reports suggested his wallet and mobile phone were stolen in a bid to make it look like a robbery gone wrong.
Police have not revealed what the note said or whether it was linked to his work as a Justice of the Peace.
Go-Jamaica reported that police were now searching for all people who had recently been in the company of Mr Terry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today it was aware of the death, but had not been advised of Mr Terry's New Zealand connection.
