Greek authorities have arrested an Afghan national in connection with the death of a Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building in central Athens.

Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, a charity worker described as an “angel full of innocence and goodness” by friends, had been in Greece for almost three weeks when she is believed to have died.

Police sources said the suspect was a 26-year-old Afghan citizen who had allegedly confessed to the crime. He had been brought in for questioning by Greece’s homicide division last Thursday, two days after Ross’s body was publicly identified.

A statement released by police on Sunday said: “A criminal file has been opened against a 26-year-old foreign national for intentional homicide, robbery and violation of the law [regarding] weapons.”

Explaining the accusation of ownership of illegal weapons, security officials said “various arms – some real, some fake” had been discovered in the suspect’s home, also thought to be in the downtown area of Kypseli where the body was discovered.

He is expected to be charged on Monday.

Throughout the investigation, Greek authorities had worked closely with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Police Scotland, according to the statement.

Ross, who had strong links with the charity sector in Greece, is the daughter of a prominent lawyer in Edinburgh, where she also lived.

She was reported to have friends in Kypseli, where her body was discovered on 18 July by a homeless man in what had once been a car park. Wrapped in cloth, it had been placed in a suitcase left in a decrepit, rubbish-strewn building at the site.

Sources told the Guardian that the suspect’s alleged use of credit cards that belonged to Ross had contributed to police identifying him.

“He was caught on camera withdrawing money with the cards from various ATMs,” one said. “The credit cards belonged to Ms Ross. That played a big role in leading us to him.”

For days, investigators were unable to make headway, citing the lack of fingerprints or DNA on the suitcase. Adding to the mystery was the discovery that her mobile phone had been used until the time when the body was publicly identified last week.

Police had described text messages sent to her father and other members of her family as deliberately misleading. The messages had spoken of her “need to be alone”.

The Briton’s “dispersed movements” in the days leading up to her death had made the quest to track her killer even harder.

After leaving the home of close friends in Keratsini, a suburb close to the port of Piraeus, where she had stayed for two weeks after flying to Greece, she had gone her own way, renting an apartment in the district of Exarchia in downtown Athens.

Greek media outlets reported the suspect had been found in possession of the keys to the rental apartment and that he was “the partner” of one of the Briton’s friends.

“As confirmed, the victim arrived in the country on June 26 and stayed at the home of friends until July 10, from where she departed to an unknown [address],” the police statement said.

The homicide division said it had made the announcement after amassing evidence that proved the Afghan had “placed the body in the case and carried it to the abandoned car park” in Kypseli.

Analysis of CCTV footage had played a role.

“The subsequent preliminary investigation … using investigative material and digital analysis of video footage, proved the involvement of the 26-year-old foreign national in the incident. [He] was brought in [for questioning] on 30 July and confessed to his actions,” the statement said.

It remains unknown how Ross died. Media reports quoted the suspect as telling police that when he visited the flat in Exarchia he had discovered her lifeless body in the bathroom.

An initial on-site postmortem showed there were no evident signs of injury or struggle on the Briton’s body but proved inconclusive because of advanced decomposition. Authorities have fast-tracked toxicological tests and analysis of vital organ tissues to determine the cause of death.

Grigoris Leon, who heads the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine, told the Guardian that examination of the lungs and eyes would help provide answers and determine “whether she had died a natural death”.

As tributes have poured in, flowers have been left beside the abandoned lot in Kypseli. One note read: “Here lies an angel.”

One friend in Edinburgh agreed with that, saying: “We have lost an angel, an angel full of innocence and goodness who only wanted to help people wherever she went.”The UK Foreign Office previously said: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.” (The Guardian)

The post Afghan boxer arrested in connection with death of Scottish woman in Greece appeared first on Newswire.

A 41‑year‑old man who drove part‑time as a hired motorcycle rider through an app was found murdered in Homagama, early yesterday (16).

Police said the victim, a resident of Pitipana, had left home around 7.00 pm on July 15 to transport a passenger on a hired journey. 

His body was discovered the following morning, with post‑mortem examinations confirming he had been killed by a severe throat‑cutting.

Investigators suspect the crime was committed inside a nearby auction land. The killers have fled with the victim’s motorcycle, gold chain, mobile phone, and wallet. 

At the scene, police recovered a pair of slippers believed to belong to the deceased and a 20‑rupee note.

The magistrate’s inquiry and subsequent autopsy at Homagama Base Hospital confirmed the death was a deliberate homicide.

The suspects remain unidentified, and Homagama Police are conducting further investigations to apprehend those responsible. (Newswire)

The post App-based motorcycle rider murdered in Homagama appeared first on Newswire.

The Police have launched investigations into the suspicious deaths of a woman and a man discovered on the upper floor of a building in the Egalloya area in Bulathsinhala on Sunday evening (14).

The deceased have been identified as a 55‑year‑old woman and a 62‑year‑old man, both residents of Egalloya. 

According to police, the pair had been living on the upper floor of their business premises.

Residents lodged a complaint after noticing the couple had not been seen for several days, and from a nearby building observed a woman lying motionless. 

Responding officers found both individuals dead under suspicious circumstances.

Bulathsinhala Police confirmed that further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

The post Couple found dead under suspicious circumstances in Bulathsinhala appeared first on Newswire.

A 61‑year‑old woman was murdered in the Padiwela area of the Bingiriya Police Division on Wednesday (10), when her husband attacked her with a sharp weapon during a domestic dispute.

Police said the suspect, a 59‑year‑old resident of Padiwela, was taken into custody soon after the incident. However, he later died while receiving treatment at Bingiriya Hospital for an illness.

Investigations have revealed that the killing stemmed from a prolonged family conflict between the couple.

The Bingiriya Police are continuing further inquiries into the case. (Newswire)

The post Woman killed in Bingiriya; suspect husband later dies in hospital appeared first on Newswire.

A 65‑year‑old resident of Wellawatte was reported dead after being assaulted with a pole during a dispute on Monday night.

Police said the victim was admitted to the Kalubowila Hospital following the attack but succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a prolonged argument with a friend living in the same house on Fredrica Road, which escalated into violence. 

The suspect, aged 56, allegedly struck the victim with a pole, leading to the fatal injuries.

The Wellawatte Police have arrested the suspect, while further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

The post 65-year-old resident of Wellawatte killed following brawl appeared first on Newswire.

Police in Katugastota discovered the body of an 82‑year‑old man inside his residence in Balagolla after neighbours reported a foul odour emanating from the house.

According to the Police, investigating officers opened a locked door and found the deceased in one of the rooms. 

The Police said the man had been living alone and is believed to have died several days earlier.

Following a magistrate’s examination, the body was sent to the Kandy Hospital mortuary for a post‑mortem.

The Katugastota Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

The post Elderly man living alone found dead in Katugastota house appeared first on Newswire.

Police in Hatton have launched investigations into the suspected murder of an elderly married couple found dead inside their residence in the Dikoya area on Wednesday night.

According to the Police, the victims, a 75‑year‑old woman and her 85‑year‑old husband, were discovered with cut injuries inside their home. 

Initial inquiries revealed that the couple had been living alone at the time of the incident.

The Police confirmed that the deaths are being treated as a case of homicide. 

The motive behind the killing has not yet been established, and further investigations are underway by the Hatton Police. (Newswire)

The post Elderly couple found murdered in Dikoya appeared first on Newswire.

A 69‑year‑old resident of Gampaha was arrested last night (13) in the Sri Bodhi Mawatha area by the Police in connection with the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, who was gunned down inside a Colombo court in 2025. 

According to the Police, the Colombo Range Crimes Division said the suspect was taken into custody for allegedly conspiring with organized criminals abroad to plan and execute the murder. 

Investigators claim he provided the firearm used in the killing, aided and abetted the crime, and unlawfully possessed a foreign‑made repeater firearm along with 10 live cartridges and two magazines.

The courtroom shooting occurred on February 19, 2025, when a man posing as a lawyer entered the chamber and opened fire on ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, who had been produced by prison authorities for a case hearing.

The Colombo Range Crimes Division is carrying out further investigations. (Newswire) 

The post Suspect arrested in Gampaha over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of a man in Mamadala Junction, Ambalantota, where the victim was shot, hacked to death, and his severed head placed on a statue before the attackers fled.

One suspect was taken into custody by Ambalantota Police yesterday (12), while two others were arrested the same day by the Tangalle Division Crime Investigation Unit. 

According to the Police, all three are residents of the Ambalantota area.

Investigations have revealed that the murder was carried out as an act of revenge for a triple homicide reported from the Alegoda Mamadala area on February 2, 2025.

Police said the father of the victim’s wife, who was assaulted during the attack, is currently receiving inpatient treatment at Hambantota Hospital.

The suspects are being held for further questioning as inquiries continue into the violent crime. (Newswire)

The post Three arrested over brutal Ambalantota murder appeared first on Newswire.

A man was assaulted and murdered, after which his head was separated and hung on a statue at the Mamadala junction, the Ambalantota Police reported.

According to relatives of the victim, three individuals had arrived at the victim’s house late last night and attacked him with a sharp weapon, killing him and severing his head before fleeing.

Police said the deceased had previously been arrested and remanded in connection with a triple murder in the Mamadala area, and was later released on bail.

The magistrate’s inquiry into the death was conducted under Hambantota Chief Magistrate Y.R.B. Nelumdeniya. Investigators also found a firearm lying in front of the victim’s residence.

At the time of the attack, the victim’s wife, two children and uncle were present at the house. 

Police noted that he sustained cut injuries during a fight with the assailants and was admitted to the hospital.

The Ambalantota Police have launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

The post Man murdered, head hung on a statue in Ambalantota appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court today confirmed the death sentence imposed on four suspects accused of the brutal abduction, gang rape, and murder of Jaffna schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya in 2015.

The suspects include Swiss Kumar and three others, whose crime sparked widespread public outrage across the country.

The ruling upholds the verdict delivered earlier by a three‑judge High Court bench, which found the four men guilty and sentenced them to death.

Vidya Sivaloganathan, an 18‑year‑old schoolgirl from Jaffna, was abducted, gang‑raped, and murdered in May 2015. (Newswire)

The post Supreme Court upholds death sentence in Jaffna schoolgirl murder case appeared first on Newswire.

More details have emerged regarding the death of a 19‑year‑old student of a private university in Homagama, following a violent clash between two groups of undergraduates.

According to reports, the university had organized a New Year festival on Thursday (09), which concluded around 6 pm.

However, later that night, a group of students is reported to have held a private party at a hotel, where the incident unfolded.

During the party, a female student went to the washroom, followed by another male student. 

The deceased, identified as her friend, allegedly assaulted the student who followed her. In retaliation, a group of friends of the assaulted student attacked him severely before fleeing.

Hotel staff rushed the injured student to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The victim has been identified as a resident of Nikadalupotha, Wellawa.

According to Ada Derana, five students have been arrested in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway. There is no official confirmation from the Sri Lankan Police yet, in this regard. (Newswire)

The post Homagama uni student murder : More details revealed appeared first on Newswire.

An 82‑year‑old woman was murdered in the Malwanegama area of Thambuttegama on Wednesday (08) after being assaulted by her grandson over a personal dispute.

Police investigations have revealed that the suspect, aged 23, struck the victim with a pole, causing her death.

The suspect has been taken into custody, and further investigations are being carried out by the Thambuttegama Police. (Newswire)

The post 82 yr old woman murdered by grandson in Thambuttegama appeared first on Newswire.

A 26‑year‑old Chinese national has been arrested by the Western Province South Crime Division in connection with the murder of a Chinese woman in Kohuwala on March 23, 2026.

The suspect was apprehended on Sunday (05) at a hotel on Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha in Colpetty.

The Police said he was taken into custody along with three cameras and 280 milligrams of “ice” (methamphetamine), before being handed over to the Kohuwala Police Station.

The Sri Lanka Police had earlier appealed to the public for assistance in locating the suspect, who was wanted in connection with the killing. 

According to the Police, the victim, a foreign national woman residing on rent in a house at a residential complex in the Kohuwala Police Division, was fatally stabbed with a knife inside her room.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court today (06), while further investigations are being carried out by the Kohuwala Police. (Newswire)

The post Chinese man arrested over murder of Chinese woman in Kohuwala appeared first on Newswire.

Residents of Batticaloa have expressed deep appreciation to the Police for swiftly arresting suspects linked to the shocking case in Kokkadicholai, Batticaloa, where women were allegedly lured, drugged, robbed, and thrown into wells. 

According to the Police, the Manmunai North Youth Association organized a peaceful gathering at Gandhi Park on Wednesday (01), condemning the crime and marching to the Batticaloa Police Headquarters to thank officers for ensuring public safety. 

The group later met Senior DIG (Eastern Province) Legal Officer Varuna Jayasundara and Batticaloa District SSP Lalith Leelarathna, extending gratitude for directing operations that led to the arrests.

Community members noted that the quick Police action not only prevented further crimes, believed to be linked to jewellery theft, but also strengthened public trust in law enforcement. 

They added that confidence in the Police has risen in recent times, with more citizens now willing to share information to aid investigations. (Newswire)

The post Batticaloa residents thank police for solving ‘well murder’ case appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating a Chinese national wanted in connection with the murder of a Chinese woman in Kohuwala on 23 March 2026.

According to police, the victim, who was residing on rent in a house at a residential complex in the Kohuwala Police Division, was fatally stabbed with a knife. 

The Mount Lavinia Division Criminal Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the crime.

The suspect, identified as Wang Huiyin, is believed to be the victim’s former partner. His details are as follows:

• Name: Wang Huiyin
• Date of Birth: 01 June 2000
• Passport Numbers: EE6791329 / ER3805969
• Other details: Injury with stitches on the fingers of his left hand

Police have requested anyone with information to contact the following numbers: 0718596408 or 071‑8591669. (Newswire)

The post Police seek public help to arrest Chinese suspect in Kohuwala Murder appeared first on Newswire.

The bodies of a married couple who went missing during the Covid period six years ago were recovered on Tuesday (24) from a canal in the Kambikotuwa Watta area of Wellampitiya, under the Grandpass Police Division, it was reported.

According to reports, the victims, identified as 62‑year‑old Sunil Kumarasinghe and Kamanda Silva, had been reported missing in 2020 by their relatives. 

When initial investigations failed to uncover any leads, the family appealed to the Presidential Secretariat, which subsequently handed over the case to the Colombo Crimes Division.

Under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Indika Lokuhetti, investigators questioned a couple living near the victims’ residence. 

Interrogations led by Chief Inspector S.B. Wijethunga revealed that the missing couple had been murdered following a personal dispute, dismembered, and buried in the nearby canal.

Police arrested the suspect couple along with another accomplice, noting that two of the men were heavily addicted to drugs. 

Investigations further revealed that the victims were attacked with sharp weapons, the woman’s gold necklace was stolen, and the bodies were cut into pieces before being concealed. On several occasions when body parts surfaced, the main suspect reportedly reburied them.

The suspects were taken to the crime scene for an on‑site inspection before being produced at the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, where the recovered remains were formally reported.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend another suspect linked to the killings. (Newswire)

The post Remains of Covid‑era missing couple found in Colombo after six years appeared first on Newswire.

A young Chinese woman has been found dead in the Kalubowila area in Kohuwala on Monday (23). 

According to the Police, the 26‑year‑old victim was attacked with a sharp weapon inside a room of a house where she had been residing.

Investigations have revealed that the murder was allegedly committed by her former Chinese boyfriend. 

The Kohuwala Police have launched further inquiries and are working to arrest the suspect. (Newswire)

The post 26 yr old Chinese woman found murdered in Kalubowila appeared first on Newswire.

Police have arrested the daughter and son‑in‑law of a University of Jaffna lecturer in connection with her murder.

According to police, the victim’s son lodged a complaint on Thursday (19), reporting his mother missing.

The complainant had voiced suspicion about his sister and her husband, after which the Police apprehended the couple in Trincomalee.

Investigations into the arrest led to the two suspects confessing to killing the 54‑year‑old lecturer at her residence.

Further interrogations revealed that they had disposed of the body in a thicket in Thanamkilappu, Chavakachcheri, which was later recovered by the Police.  

The victim was identified as a lecturer in Ayurvedic Medicine at the University of Jaffna. (Newswire)

The post Daughter and son‑in‑law arrested over murder of Jaffna University lecturer appeared first on Newswire.

The Matugama Police have sought public assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a 34‑year‑old woman in Delandahena on April 18, 2025. 

The victim was attacked with a sharp weapon to her neck. Investigations reveal that the suspect has fled the area and is in hiding.

The suspect has been identified as Buhmanage Den Sanath Ravinda Nilantha, of No. 78/01, Ihala Kanda, Agalawatta (NIC: 840321401V). 

Police have released several photographs of him and urge anyone with information to contact the following numbers: 071‑8591701 or 071‑8594381. (Newswire)

The post Matugama Police seek public help to track murder suspect appeared first on Newswire.