Rebecca Dykes murder: British diplomat's body found in Beirut

Police in Lebanon are investigating the death of a young British diplomat, whose body was reported to have been found near an expressway in Beirut.

Rebecca Dykes, 30, had been part of the Foreign Office’s London-based Libya team, before working as a programme and policy manager for the Department for International Development (DFID) in the Lebanese capital.

Ms Dykes, who is from London, was reportedly last seen at a city centre bar in Gemmayzeh late on Friday evening.

It is unclear whether she was accompanied when she left. Her body was found near the Metn Expressway on Saturday, and taken to the Dahr al-Bashak Hospital for post mortem.

According to Lebanese officials, the inquiry is looking at the possibility that Ms Dykes was sexually assaulted before being strangled. However, there has been no official confirmation as to the cause of death.

Ms Dykes was due to fly back to London this weekend for Christmas. A spokesman for her family said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. We are doing all we can to understand what happened.”

DFID said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Becky's family and friends at this very upsetting time.

“There is now a police investigation and the FCO is providing consular support to Becky's family and working with the local authorities.”

British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hugo Shorter, said in a statement: “The whole embassy is deeply shocked and saddened by this news.

“Our thoughts are with Becky's family, friends and colleagues for their tragic loss.”

A Foreign Office spokesman in London added: “Following the death of a British woman in Beirut, we are providing support to the family.

“We remain in close contact with local authorities. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”