Murder enquiry after naked French tourist found dead in Cambodia

The body of a 25 year old female French tourist was found in a river on Monday in Cambodia

Cambodian is a popular tourist destination for young Europeans Reuters/Samrang Pring

Cambodian police have launched a murder investigation, after the naked body of a 25-year-old female French tourist was found floating in a river, officials said on Monday.

The victim was found on Sunday in the southern province of Kampot, a day after she was last seen alive leaving her guest house by bicycle, provincial deputy police chief In Chiva said.

"We conclude that it is a murder case because she was seriously hacked on the forehead," he said, adding that there were also injuries to the victim's arms.

French diplomatic sources said the family had been informed, and that the girl, who was from the Lyon region of France, had been holidaying in Cambodia with friends.

"An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the death but according to first observations, the criminal option seems most likely," said Nicolas Baudouin, of the French embassy in Phnom Penh.