British man held in Ecuador after woman's body found in suitcase

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. British man held in Ecuador after woman's body found in suitcase Image source, Dorset PoliceImage caption, Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith was arrested at Quito International Airport in EcuadorByStuart RustSouth of EnglandPublished21 minutes agoA British man has been arrested in Ecuador after the body of a woman was found inside a suitcase in Colombia. Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, 46, from Bournemouth, Dorset, is alleged to have caused the death of 36-year-old Natalia Villalba in an apartment in Bogota on 18 June, local authorities said.

The Attorney General's Office in Colombia said Foster-Smith was suspected of beating Villalba to death before placing her body in a suitcase, attempting to conceal what happened, and fleeing the scene. An arrest warrant was obtained by prosecutors in Colombia and an Interpol Red Notice was issued, authorities said.

The Details

Foster-Smith was held at Quito International Airport in Ecuador. Bogota's mayor, Carlos Fernando Galan, said Dorset Police had assisted with the operation to locate him.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a British man who has been detained in Ecuador and are in touch with the local authorities. "Dorset Police has been approached for comment.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.