The Foreign Office is working to identify a man who was dragged from a police station before being "lynched and burnt alive" in Ecuador by a baying mob.
The 34-year-old was arrested for allegedly shooting dead his long-term friend and business partner.
The pair, named locally as Michael Hann and Rodrigo Chavez, had established Kichwa Pathfinder Tours less than a year ago, however troubles arose when the business was hit with financial difficulties.
Sources told MailOnline that Chavez accused Hann of being deceitful and taking money from customers without putting it through the business accounts.
The aftermath of the incident in Ecuador
Local media
After a night of partying, the tension came to a head and Hann allegedly shot Chavez who, according to locals, was "drunk and half-asleep" in the street.
The Police Chief said last night: "There had been problems between the two men that died. The man we believe to be British had shot a local man, causing his death.
"We know that he was working and teaching English and was making reservations for tourists visiting the area.
"But we don't have any more information right now and that is the focus of ongoing investigations, which are seeking to determine his full name as well."
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The alleged victim
One family friend of Rodrigo told MailOnline: "I was happy when they first founded Kichwa Pathfinder Tours about a year ago because I thought it would help generate employment in the community.
"However, two weeks ago, unclear economic problems arose between them, which generated conflicts. I never thought it would end like this."
According to the Foreign Office, the area surrounding the Ecuador-Colombia border should be avoided barring "essential travel" due to the prevalence of "organised crime linked to the production and trafficking of drugs."
Despite the isolation, the village of Playas del Cuyabeno has seen a rise of international tourists and volunteers due to its location near one of Ecuador's most treasured conservation areas.
One family friend told MailOnline: "This was a horrible and traumatic case for the communities that witnessed the act. We're all shocked. They were my friends, and I was saddened by what happened.
'Mr Hann said he was from the UK and had been in Ecuador for several years, meeting new people until he arrived in our community, where this tragic incident occurred.
"'The community is shocked by what happened."
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