by Hayley Robinson and Helen Geraghty

A former Kent teacher who died on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion may have been murdered, according to reports.

Former Royal Marine Carl Davies was believed to have fallen to his death in a tragic accident on November 9.

But an autopsy has revealed the 33-year-old suffered a stab wound to his stomach and a violent blow to the head.

Sebastian Gaignoux, a reporter at le Journal de l'Ile de la Reunion newspaper, said police are also investigating the possibility Mr Davies's body was moved to the bottom of the ravine where it was found.

The former Isle of Sheppey Academy and Sittingbourne Community College teacher's last moments are still unclear but it is understood he was working as a security contractor on board the ship Atlantic Trader.

The region is plagued by piracy and former servicemen are regularly used as armed guards.

The vessel had docked in Reunion on November 7 and on the night of his death, Mr Davies had been with colleagues before leaving the port on his own.

Mr Gaignoux said the motive was unclear as theft had been ruled out because Mr Davies still had his mobile phone and money on him.

Police chief, Commissaire Frédéric Pech, confirmed his officers had now launched a murder hunt.

Meanwhile, family and friends are expected to remember Mr Davies this weekend by lighting and releasing dozens of Chinese lanterns at Minster beach.

They will meet at the Little Oyster car park, The Leas, at 5pm tomorrow.

Anyone who knew Mr Davies is invited to attend.