Body of missing Cambridge student found in Egypt 'partially burned and with signs of torture'

Signs of torture and "slow death" have been found on the body of a missing Cambridge University PhD student dumped partially burned by the side of a road outside Cairo.

The body of 28-year-old Giulio Regeni also showed signs of multiple stab wounds, beatings, and cuts to the ears, Egyptian prosecutors said.

The cause of death is still being investigated.

Mr Regeni, originally from Italy, had not been seen in the Egyptian capital since January 25, the day of demonstrations marking the fifth anniversary of the Arab Spring .

His body was found on Wednesday, nine days later.

Cambridge University today said they were "saddened to hear of his death" and said their thoughts were with his family and friends.

Reports said Regeni, who was studying for a PhD with the department of Politics and International Studies, had been living in Cairo since September to pursue a doctoral thesis on the Egyptian economy.

Friends had shared images of Regeni with the hashtag #whereisgiulio on Twitter in a bid to find the missing student.

Italian authorities have demanded a full investigation into the death.

“The Italian government has asked the Egyptian authorities to make every effort to ascertain the truth … and immediately launch a joint investigation with the participation of Italian experts,” the Italian foreign ministry said.

The ministry also summoned the Egyptian ambassador, Amr Mostafa Kamal Helmy, to express concern about Regeni’s death.

“Helmy expressed profound condolences for Regeni’s death and assured us Egypt will cooperate fully in finding those responsible for this criminal act,” the ministry said.