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Briton dies 'violently' in Spain Scot killed 'violently' in Spain
(about 10 hours later)
Spanish police are investigating what they describe as the "violent" death of a British man in Barcelona. Spanish police are investigating what they describe as the "violent" death of a Scottish businessman in Barcelona.
The Foreign Office said Derek Cowan, 46, was discovered in his apartment in the city on 8 October. Derek Cowan, 46, originally from Lanarkshire, was discovered in his apartment in the city on 8 October.
The Scot, who settled in Spain several years ago, was reportedly found in a pool of blood.
In a statement on their website, Spanish police said they were awaiting results of a post-mortem examination to determine whether he had been murdered.In a statement on their website, Spanish police said they were awaiting results of a post-mortem examination to determine whether he had been murdered.
Mr Cowan was reportedly from Scotland, but settled in Spain a few years ago where he ran his own business.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "I can confirm the death of Derek Cowan, aged 46, in Spain.A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "I can confirm the death of Derek Cowan, aged 46, in Spain.
"Next-of-kin have been informed in the UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are in contact with the Spanish authorities who are looking into this.""Next-of-kin have been informed in the UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are in contact with the Spanish authorities who are looking into this."
The inquiry has been referred to the Barcelona police homicide squad. The inquiry has been referred to the Barcelona police homicide squad. He had a nice lifestyle in Barcelona and I'm not aware of him having any problems. He always sounded very positive John Irvine Friend
Mr Cowan grew up in Lanarkshire and, according to his entry on the Friend's Reunited website, attended Lanark Grammar School and Larkhall Academy.
On the site Mr Cowan wrote: "Have travelled extensively, living in London, Manila and now settled (for the time being) in Barcelona.
"Living with Spanish girlfriend and working as a currency trader in the sun."
It is understood Mr Cowan ran his own business with a German partner.
John Irvine, 46, a friend of Mr Cowan, paid tribute to him.
He said: "He was a very likeable character, very good fun, entertaining and sociable.
"He was good-hearted through and through and very close to his friends.
"It is a terrible thing that has happened. It was a shock for all who knew and cared about him. I'm absolutely shattered with it."
Mr Irvine, who runs a scaffolding firm in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, added: "He had a nice lifestyle in Barcelona and I'm not aware of him having any problems. He always sounded very positive."