British Man Burned Alive in Amazon After Murder Accusation

In a horrifying incident deep within Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, a British man was allegedly pulled from police custody and set ablaze by a mob following accusations of murder in a remote village.

The tragedy unfolded in Playas del Cuyabeno, a secluded riverside village located approximately 180 miles from Quito, Ecuador’s capital. According to local media reports, the foreign national—described as either British or English—was involved in a deadly confrontation during a community celebration. He was accused of fatally shooting a local resident, which led to his arrest by police.

Initially detained for his protection at the local police station while authorities awaited reinforcements, the man’s safety was tragically short-lived. Reports from Diario Extra indicate that approximately six hours after the incident, a group of enraged villagers stormed the station. They forcibly removed the detainee and set him on fire outside, in full view of law enforcement officials. The man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Photographs later showed his lifeless body covered in a white sheet, surrounded by onlookers. The isolated village of Playas del Cuyabeno lies within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador’s second-largest nature reserve. The area is accessible only via boat along the Aguarico River, complicating the arrival of special forces or additional police support.

The village is typically known for its eco-tourism, drawing visitors with its rich biodiversity—including jaguars, pink river dolphins, sloths, anacondas, toucans, and howler monkeys. Tour packages in the region often exceed £200, offering immersive experiences in the 5,900 square kilometer reserve.

This isn’t the first incident involving British nationals in Ecuador. In December 2023, 78-year-old businessman Colin Armstrong was kidnapped from his residence in Guayaquil and held captive for four days, highlighting growing security concerns in the region.

Ecuadorian authorities have yet to release the identity of the British victim, and investigations into the lynching and original murder allegation are ongoing.