Anna Bartlett was originally jailed for 25 years

Anna Bartlett, 25, from Southend, Essex, was found partially-clothed with head injuries in the northern town of Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

On Friday, Himachal Pradesh police said one man has been arrested and three men are being sought by police following the murder.

In May 2001, Ms Bartlett, also known as Anna Hamilton, was sentenced to 25 years without parole for importing cocaine and hashish with intent to supply.

She had pleaded guilty to importing the drugs, but not guilty to intent to supply.

The autopsy report has revealed injuries suggesting she was beaten up before her death Kushal Sharma, senior police official

She was sent to prison in the northern emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah - one of seven members making up the United Arab Emirates.

At an appeal hearing in October 2001, judges in Dubai cut her sentence from 25 to 10 years.

Ms Bartlett was granted a pardon by the royal family of Ras Al-Khaimah in June this year.

On Friday, Kushal Sharma, a senior police official, told the BBC, said her body was found near a river in Manali.

He said: "The autopsy report has revealed injuries suggesting she was beaten up before her death.

"In this connection we have already arrested a man... and are looking for two Irish men and a Nepalese youth."

He said it is believed the Ms Bartlett was killed on Wednesday night.