Russian consul found dead in Greece

The head of the consular department at Russia's embassy in Greece Andrey Malanin has been found dead in his flat in Athens, BBC reports with reference to police.

Initial signs suggested Malanin died of natural causes, but police said they were investigating the death.

Greek media said Malanin had failed to report for work on Monday and did not answer his phone. He lived alone on a heavily guarded street. Russian officials confirmed the consul's death.

The Proto Tema website said colleagues accompanied by police went round to the apartment to check on Malanin but found the door locked from the inside.

He was found lying on his bedroom floor. Police said the body had no visible injuries and there had been no obvious break-in.