Dead Brit found with genitals in tuna can 'humiliated for being homeless'

Police are continuing to investigate the death of a British national found tied to a bench near Malaga airport, who had slices of ham placed on his buttocks and his genitals placed in a tuna can. The man, named locally as 51-year-old Steven Allford, was found with his hands and feet bound by plastic cables and his trousers down outside the airport on 21 October.

A post-mortem revealed that Allford, who is said have been living homeless in the Spanish city, died of asphyxiation, choking on his vomit after drinking a large amount of alcohol. His body showed no signs of violence.

According the Spanish newspaper Sur, Allford was a known homeless schizophrenic in the area and was found with the trolley he would regularly be seen pushing around.

Police also noted the "strong odour given off by the body" when it was discovered, which indicated Allford had been drinking the night before.

The investigation is looking into whether Allford was tied up before or after he died and if he was placed into the bizarre position involving the tuna can and slices of ham "with the sole purpose of making fun of him". According to reports, those responsible for placing him in that position may have done so to humiliate him while he was unconscious due to drink, before he choked to death.

Officers are also trying to determine whether Allford was the victim of a sexual assault. Police are examining CCTV footage from the area as part of the investigation.

The Foreign Office said they have not been able to confirm the identity of the dead man. A spokesperson added: "We are in contact with local authorities following reports of the death of a British man in Spain."