THE BODY of a middle-aged man wrapped in plastic and adhesive tape was found near the Urbanova and El Altet beaches in Elche on Sunday morning, advised the National Police.

A member of the public made the grizzly discovery and immediately called the police.

An autopsy was carried out at the Alicante forensic institute on Monday.

The results indicate the victim had been cut open from his throat to his waist and then subsequently sewn up with fishing line.

It seems he was already dead when the incision was made and there were no other signs of violence.

The identity of the man has not been revealed but he is thought to be a resident of Elche of Colombian origin aged about 39. However no personal documentation was found at the scene.

Investigators are said to be working on the theory that he had been working as a ‘mule’ smuggling drugs, possibly cocaine, into the country hidden inside his body.