Hilary Bower: British lecturer found dead in China was ‘possibly murdered’

Friends think his death could be linked to property deal worth £820,000

Hilary Bower was not seen since crossing the border into China from Hong Kong on March 21 (Facebook)

A British lecturer working in Hong Kong was killed shortly after crossing the border into mainland China, police have said.

Hilary St John Bower, 60, who taught English at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, lived in southern China with his girlfriend of 17 years and six-year-old son, Matthew.

He had been due to retire this year and had recently sold a property for £820,000. He is not thought to have received the money from the sale.

Local media reported he had been murdered and a police source told the AFP news agency that his death was "possibly a murder".

Hong Kong Police did not confirm this, but said in a statement: "Police have received notification from mainland relevant authorities that he was killed on the night of 22 March."

Mr Bower, who listed poetry and using literature to help teach languages among his professional interests on his web page, was last seen on 21 March at a border checkpoint going to the mainland.

Police believe he was killed hours after entering the mainland. He was reported missing to Hong Kong Police on 30 March.

Richard Charles, a friend and colleague, criticised the authorities on both sides of the border for their handling of the case, saying it had been “shoddy and shambolic”.

“I find it unbelievable that Hilary’s friends and colleagues have had to find out from the media about this,” he told the South China Morning Post. "We are in shock and are extremely upset."

Mr Charles speculated that there might be a link between his friend’s disappearance and the sale of his HK$ 9 million (£820,000) property.

Mr Bower, originally from Hertfordshire, had taught at Hong Kong Polytechnic University since 1996, and had previously taught in China, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and Kuwait.

In a statement, the university said: "It is with deep regret that the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has received confirmation from the Hong Kong ­police this morning of the passing away on the Chinese mainland of Mr Hilary Bower, language ­instructor of the English ­Language Centre. The university will render all necessary support and assistance to Mr Bower’s family, and offer counselling to colleagues and ­students in need.”

A UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: “We are providing assistance to the family of a British national reported missing in southern China and are urgently seeking further information from local authorities.”