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Fears serial killer is at large in Brit holiday hotspot as three women killed

Concerns have been sparked over the possibility that a serial killer may be at large in a popular tourist hotspot, after three women were found dead in seemingly near-identitical situations

[Elizabeth Martinez is feared dead]

Elizabeth Martinez is feared dead(Image: Facebook)

An active serial killer may be targeting women in a sunny party resort favoured by holidaying Brits after three women were found killed in eerily similar situations.

Cops have been scrambling to piece together what happened after the bodies of the women, all believed to be in their 20s and 30s, were found dumped in isolated areas around Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Investigators say all three victims had tattoos and were found partially undressed, further fuelling speculation the killings may be linked, according to local outlet Mexico News Daily.

Police are now trawling through CCTV footage, forensic evidence and witness reports as the terrifying probe intensifies. The first victim was discovered on May 10 near the scenic Rancho El Piruli lookout point.

[No identities have been confirmed, but local reports suggest the third woman could be missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez from Mexico.]

No identities have as of yet been confirmed, but local reports are suggesting that the third woman could be missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez

Days later, a second womans body was found abandoned at a roadside stop along a highway outside the city.

The latest grim discovery came when a third body was dumped on a dirt track in the Parque Las Palmas district.

Some local reports have named the third woman as the missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez, although authorities are yet to officially identify her.

[puerto vallarta]

Three apparent killings in the city have sparked serial killer concerns(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

According to reports, the victim had tattoos including a skull, a horned woman and a name inked across her body. Officials also said the body showed signs of violence.

Despite growing fears of a serial predator stalking the city, investigators warned the case is still in its early stages and have not ruled out the possibility the victims were killed elsewhere before their bodies were dumped in Puerto Vallarta.

The gruesome discoveries threaten to further damage the image of the famous beach resort, which was rocked earlier this year by waves cartel violence linked to the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

[Puerto Vallarta was hit by mass violence following the killing of EL Mencho ]

Puerto Vallarta was hit by mass violence following the killing of EL Mencho (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

In February, gunmen set fire to buses and looted shops after the reported death of cartel kingpin El Mencho triggered total chaos across the much of Mexico.

Videos circulating social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the city of Puerto Vallarta, a major city in Jalisco, and sprinting through the airport of the state's capital in panic.

Air Canada, a regular airline used by visitors the city, announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta "due to an ongoing security situation" and advised customers not to go to their airport.

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