Detectives are investigating the possibility a popular backpacker whose body was pulled from the sea in Goa was murdered.

Officers from Interpol have reportedly been brought in to assist Goan police with the investigation into the death of James Durkin from Coulsdon who had been missing for about a month when his body was found.

The family of the former Trinity School had been leading an online campaign to try and track him down after he went missing in mid-February, just days after he had scattered his mother’s ashes.

After scattering the ashes in Hampi in Karnataka, he and his two friends made their way to Goa where he is said to have become quite low and began drinking heavily.

One evening he got into an argument with a local and went missing before reappearing several hours later with lots of cuts and bruises.

He was treated in hospital and then the last definite information the family had was a policeman said he had been dropped off in Palolem. Others said he had been seen in a police station.

His friends had lost contact with him and despite some unconfirmed sightings it is not known what happened to Mr Durkin.

The 34-year-old’s father Jim said: "He’s my son and it’s very difficult to be honest.

"He’s a much loved son and brother.

"He went to Trinity School and he’s got lots of friends in the area and will be greatly missed by everyone.

"It’s being further investigated by Goa Police and Interpol.

"We don’t really know whether it’s an accident or if someone carried out an act of violence."

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national who had been reported missing in India in February 2015.

"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."

Paying tribute on Facebook, Club Labrynth wrote: "James Durkin RIP, Labrynth Raver.

"It is with deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that we have lost one of our brothers, James Durkin.

"His body was found in Goa, anyone who remembers James will remember the great times we all had.

"Rip fellow brother."

On Twitter Katie Bov posted: "Terrible gut wrenching & devastating!! R.I.P James Durkin thoughts are with all his family & my friends that knew & loved him. So so sad...."

And on March 13 the @where_is_jamesd Twitter account posted: "It's with a heavy heart we say that James did not make it home.

"Thanks to all that have helped search. RIP Jimmy D xx."

And Trinity School headteacher Mark Bishop said: "James was a pupil at Trinity School from 1992 to 1998 and we are very sad to hear of his death at such a young age.

"Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends."