British backpacker Danielle McLaughlin 'gang-raped before murder with broken bottle' in Goa

A British backpacker who was murdered in India may have been gang-raped before she was killed, her family lawyer claims.

Danielle McLaughlin, 28, was strangled and had her face slashed with a broken bottle during an attack in Palolem, Goa, last week.

Prime suspect Vikas Bhagat, 23, has been charged with murdering and raping the teen, alongside 20 thefts against tourists.

But family lawyer Vikram Varma claimed Bhagat was not strong enough to overcome Ms McLaughlin on his own.

He told MailOnline: “Bhagat’s story is that he was alone with Danielle which is doubtful.

“There has to be more than one person involved. I have no doubt.

“He would not have been able to overpower Danielle on his own.

“I have a feeling that it was more than one person but we have to verify everything with evidence.”

The lawyer, who also represented the family of murdered British 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling who was killed in Goa in 2008, is now urging Indian police to search for more attackers.

He said: “These small criminal gangs operate in groups of four to six people. They share the spoils of their exploits. They are very loyal to each other.”

The backpacker’s best friend Nicole Farren also appealed for more information on the attackers.

She said: “We understand there is a lot of pressure on you the local people to protect criminals operating in the area who have a lot of power.

“Sometimes it is time to stand up and take a stand and say ‘No, enough is enough’. We want justice for Danielle, she deserves justice.”