Hilary Bower: Girlfriend of allegedly murdered British academic arrested in China
His girlfriend and two men are accused of murdering him 'over an emotional dispute'
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Your support makes all the difference.The girlfriend of a British academic has been arrested along with two men in connection to his alleged murder.
Hilary St John Bower, 60, who taught English at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was reportedly dismembered after he was killed.
His girlfriend, named only as Ms Xu, is accused along with the two men of murdering him "over an emotional dispute", Shenzen's public security bureau said.
Mr Bower had been missing for three weeks after he vanished on 22 March while travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, where he lived.
Local reports suggests Mr Bower had a number of girlfriends in China.
Police said a girlfriend, named by media as Shi Xiumei, reported him missing at a Hong Kong police station on 30 March. Mr Bower is reported to have been living with Ms Xiumei and their six-year-old son.
Ms Xu, 38, is said to have been Mr Bower's girlfriend for 17 years. She was arrested along with the two men on 8 April.
However, there is speculation his death could be linked to a recent property deal.
He had been due to retire this year and had recently sold his flat in Shekou, Shenzhen City, for £820,000. He is not thought to have received the money from the sale.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are providing support to the family at this difficult time, and will remain in close contact with local authorities."
The case is still under investigation.
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