Murdered hotel tycoon was shot twice in the head and set on fire, post-mortem reveals #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

THE British hotelier found dead on the Caribbean island of St Lucia had been shot twice in the head before being doused with petrol and set alight, sources revealed last night.

Oliver Gobat with his sister-in-law Alexandra[SWNS]

A post-mortem examination, which began on Monday, was still being completed yesterday at the island’s Victoria Hospital mortuary – but local sources claimed the charred remains found on Saturday were those of Oliver Gobat.

The multi-millionaire property developer, whose family own the five-star Cap Maison resort on the paradise isle, was reported missing on Friday night when he failed to return home after playing golf.

The 38-year-old’s locked Range Rover was discovered on a remote dirt track hours later in the Cap Estate area where the £405-a-night hotel is located.

Mr Gobat was reported to be slumped in the front passenger seat and his body was said to be “burned beyond recognition” with gunshots to the head.

The discovery was made after firefighters were called to what was believed to be a bush blaze.

The island’s deputy fire chief Lambert Charles said: “Our crews extinguished the fire but when that was done they discovered the remains of a charred body in the vehicle. Police were notified as soon as that was discovered.”

Our crews extinguished the fire but when that was done they discovered the remains of a charred body in the vehicle. Police were notified as soon as that was discovered

Lambert Charles

British sportsmen paid tribute yesterday to Mr Gobat, a former Surrey County Cricket Club junior who had held fitness workshops at the resort.

Olympic gold medal heptathlete Denise Lewis said: “So very sad. My condolences to his family and friends. Such a lovely guy.”

Double Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson added: “My love and thoughts go out to friends and family of Ollie Gobat.

“He was a gem and his family must have been so proud of him. RIP, my friend.”

Former England cricketer Matthew Hoggard said: “Such shocking and tragic news. Was a pleasure to have met him.”

Guests at the 49-room cliff-top hideaway, which overlooks Smugglers Cove beach, have included Mick Jagger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kelly Brook.

The five-star Cap Maison resort on St Lucia [SWNS]

 

It was built by Mr Gobat’s parents – Theo, 75 and Helen, 66, from Esher, Surrey – with their other sons Adam and Rufus.

It is thought the family have jetted to the island in the wake of the horror.

Mr Gobat – who was born in St Lucia and held dual nationality – was privately educated in Britain before going on to study at Leeds University.

The Foreign Office said it was working with authorities on the island and is looking into reports “urgently”.