Mystery as British tourist, 27, is found dead by the side of the road at French ski resort

The 27-year-old has been identified only as Patrick F

French prosecutors have appealed for witnesses following the mysterious death of a British holidaymaker at a ski resort in the Alps.

The 27-year-old, who has been identified only as Patrick F., was found lying by the side of a road in Flaine, which is part of the linked Grand Massif alpine sports domain.

He was on a week-long ski break with friends, and had spent the evening of March 30 in the Social Bar – a venue that is extremely popular among British visitors to Flaine.

‘The deceased’s body was found late in the evening lying by a road nearby,’ said an investigating source, who released a picture of Patrick F.

‘Efforts were made to revive him, but he was declared dead at the scene. We are appealing anybody who might have seen him on the night of March 30 – a Wednesday – to come forward.’

The source added: ‘The aim is to try and piece together the circumstances leading up to this tragic death.’

The British tourist was found lying by the side of a road in Flaine, which is part of the linked Grand Massif alpine sports domain (file photo of the French Alpine ski resort of Flaine in the Grand Massif)

Gendarmes from nearby Scionzier are carrying out enquiries in the area, and the investigation is being led by prosecutors and an examining magistrate.

A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British national who died in France and are in touch with the local authorities.’

In January, a French skier aged 40 was arrested in Flaine following the death of a five-year-old British girl in Flaine.

He is said to have collided with the child while travelling at high speed that broke local limits.

Neither the victim nor the accused, who faces manslaughter charges, have been identified.