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British woman with Gib links found dead in Cádiz

by Priya Gulraj and María Jesús Corrales Martín

A 74-year old British woman who lived in Gibraltar for a number of years was found dead the Cádiz town of Algar.

A 45-year old man has been arrested in connection with the death.

“We can confirm we have discovered a body in the vicinity of a farmhouse in Algar,” said a statement from the Guardia Civil.

“As a result of the discovery a local man has been arrested who will appear in court shortly.”

A statement from the Guardia Civil said this event has caused “a stir” in the town, adding: “Algar is a very small town and everyone is shocked by what has happened.”

Reports in the Spanish media have named the deceased as Lesley Pearson, which was confirmed to the Chronicle by the town’s mayor.

In paying tribute to Mrs Pearson, José Carlos Sánchez Barea said Mrs Pearson lived in Algar, which has a population of 1,400 for the past 12 years and was well-known to the residents in the area.

She lived alone in a farmhouse called ‘Casa Lele’ on the outskirts of Algar after her husband passed away some two years ago.

“She was very sociable and known in Algar,” Mr Sanchez Barea said.

“She did not live here during the whole year as she had other properties along the Costa del Sol.”

The man who has been arrested in connection with her death is believed to have been a handyman on Mrs Pearson’s property in Algar.

“He was a normal guy who went about his day-to-day business without hearing much about him,” the mayor said.

The death has caused a stir in the town.

“Everyone is asking how this could happen in Algar,” Mr Sanchez Barea said.

“This is a very small town and we all know each other, and we have been in shock since hearing about the death.”

The town council has declared an official day of mourning and the flags will be flown at half-mast while the Guardia Civil continue with the investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding their death.

The Royal Gibraltar Police said it is aware of the case and have been in contact with the Spanish authorities.

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