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UK Tourist ‘shot dead’ and Son Injured In Argentina Robbery

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A British tourist was killed and his son was injured when they were shot during a suspected armed robbery in Buenos Aires, according to local media.

The two men, aged 50 and 28, were taken to hospital after the attack outside a hotel in the Argentine capital.

The father had been shot in the chest and died, while his son suffered a thigh wound, news channel A24 reports.

Faena Art Hotel
The two men were shot outside the Faena Art Hotel according to local reports (Photo: Booking)

The men are said to have been shot in a struggle as they were targeted by motorcycle robbers near the entrance to the Faena Art Hotel, in the waterfront Puerto Madero district of Buenos Aires, at about 11:00 am local time. 

Naval officials said in a statement that assailants on the motorcycle, apparently were supported by accomplices in a car.

The perpetrators escaped after the attack and police were still searching for them on Saturday.

The hotel, which is party of the luxury Faena Group including a hotel in Miami, released a statement expressing “deepest condolences” and promising full support in the investigation.

lobby buenos aires
The lobby of the 5 Star Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires (Photo: Santiago Advisor)

Armed robberies tend to rise at this time of year in Buenos Aires, when tourists flood to the city for the warmer weather months.

In December of last year, Swedish tourist Christoffer Persson was shot during an attempted robbery, and his leg subsequently amputated due to his injuries.

In the same month, a US tourist was hospitalised after a violent assault during which his camera was stolen.

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Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero, where the murder took place, is the redeveloped former city docks, hailed as one of the most successful urban regeneration projects in the world, attracting huge foreign investment, young professionals, and luxury tourism.

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A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are supporting the family of two British men following an incident in Buenos Aires, and are in contact with the local authorities there.”

More than 111,000 British nationals visited Argentina in 2018, according to the Foreign Office, which said most visits are “trouble-free”.

But tourists are warned to be alert to street crime, including armed robberies, and advised to hand over cash and valuables without resistance.

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