Scot killed 'violently' in Spain

Derek Cowan moved to Barcelona several years ago

Spanish police are investigating what they describe as the "violent" death of a Scottish businessman in Barcelona.

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, after living in London, 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.

Police in Barcelona refused to confirm reports that they were looking for one of Mr Cowan's former business associates in connection with his death.

A spokesman for the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan regional police force, said: "I can tell you that no-one has been detained in connection with this matter."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "I can confirm the death of Derek Cowan, aged 46, in Spain.

He had a nice lifestyle in Barcelona and I'm not aware of him having any problems. He had lots of friends out there. John Irvine Friend

"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.

Mr Cowan grew up in Lanarkshire and, according to his entry on the Friends 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 close friend of Mr Cowan, told the BBC Scotland news website: "He was a very likeable character, very good fun, entertaining and sociable.

"A group of us all used to go out to the pubs and clubs in Hamilton when we were younger. He was a very decent fellow who will be sadly missed.

"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."

Funeral arrangements

Mr Irvine, who runs a scaffolding firm in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, said he had visited Mr Cowan in Barcelona in March this year and spoke to him often on the telephone.

He said: "We laughed a lot. He had a nice lifestyle in Barcelona and I'm not aware of him having any problems. He had lots of friends out there.

"Derek did not deserve to be murdered."

Mr Irvine said that he and Mr Cowan's other friends would probably organise a funeral for him, which would take place in Spain.

It is understood Mr Cowan's mother and half-brother live in London.