A British man has reportedly been killed by an angry mob in a remote village deep within Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, following accusations that he fatally shot a local resident during a village celebration.
The incident occurred in Playas del Cuyabeno, an isolated riverside community within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, some 180 miles northeast of Quito. According to local media, the foreigner — described as either “English” or “British” — was initially taken into police custody after being attacked by villagers enraged over the alleged murder.
Police officers placed the man in a cell at the local station for his protection, as they awaited reinforcements to transport him to Lago Agrio, the nearest town with proper judicial facilities. However, the remoteness of the village — accessible only by boat along the Aguarico River — delayed any backup from arriving.
Around six hours later, a group of residents reportedly returned, forcibly removed the man from the station, and burned him alive in front of the authorities. Disturbing images shared on social media showed his body lying outside the station covered by a white sheet, surrounded by locals.
Playas del Cuyabeno, despite its small size, hosts a modest tourism industry centred on the surrounding rainforest, known for its biodiversity, including several species of monkeys. The brutal killing has sparked concern over law enforcement capabilities in Ecuador’s most remote regions.
UK authorities have not yet confirmed the man’s identity, and Ecuadorian officials have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
