A man was shot dead inside a villa in a gated community on Spain's Costa del Sol which is hugely popular with rich British expats.

       An investigation has been launched after the incident in El Paraiso, Estepona, in the early hours of Monday morning.

       Police officers discovered the body at the scene shortly before 9am after reports of a fight inside the property.

       The victim suffered at least one bullet wound to the back, according to local reports.

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       It is understood that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the terrifying incident.

       The victim has not yet been identified, while initial investigations are underway at the posh gated villa community, where homes sell for up to ￡12.8m, OlivePress reports.

       Express.co.uk has contacted Spain's Policia Nactional for comment.