A BRITISH backpacker has gone missing after spending a month living on the streets of Peru following a violent robbery.
Hannah Almond, 32, travelled to Cusco in March for a yoga retreat to “find herself” – but was left stranded, penniless and traumatised after being assaulted and robbed of her passport.
InstagramHannah Almond has gone missing in Peru[/caption]
GoFundmeThe Brit, 32, was living on the streets after being robbed of all her money and passport[/caption]
Video appeared to show her belongings being burned on the street
With no way to get home, the fashion graduate was sleeping rough under the Belén Bridge, where her remaining belongings were torched by local thugs.
Footage from local media appeared to show her clothes and personal items in a flaming pile on the street.
Hannah was last seen three days ago after befriending an elderly homeless man at a makeshift camp, and has not been heard from since.
A desperate search is now underway to locate the missing Brit from Grimsby.
A family friend told the Daily Mail on Monday: “She is one of the most pure loving souls ever — she is very generous and always wants to help people.
“But she does not trust anyone after getting robbed and assaulted.
“Some locals burned all her belongings from under the bridge.”
They added: “She was contacting her mum every now and then through other people’s phones.
“Police went to check on her two days ago and she has not been seen since. Cusco is a trafficking hotspot, so it’s very worrying.”
The British Consulate in Peru has confirmed that Hannah’s tourist visa has expired and her immigration status is now in limbo.
“She is in an illegal situation. Her tourist visa has already expired,” British Consul Mark Atkinson told local media.
“Sometimes we’ve paid for hotel stays, given her money for food, that sort of thing. But she always ends up coming back here,” he explained, referring to the bridge camp.
Hannah’s friends have since launched a GoFundMe page to fund urgent efforts to help her.
As of Tuesday, it already pulled in £7,930 from 306 donations — just shy of its £9,000 goal.
The funds raised will be used to cover urgent travel and support costs, including a flight and accommodation for a close family member or friend to fly to Peru and gently persuade Hannah to come home.
Her loved ones hope that a familiar face on the ground will help break through the fear and confusion that has kept her from accepting official help.
The money will also go towards providing Hannah with safe accommodation, food, and access to emergency medical or psychological care — which may be vital before she is well enough to travel.
InstagramHannah was last seen three days ago after coming to Peru in March[/caption]
InstagramShe had travelled to the South American country for a yoga retreat[/caption]
Additional funds will cover logistical costs needed to get her home, such as securing a replacement passport, renewing her visa, and arranging her journey back to the UK.
A message on the fundraiser reads: “Hannah travelled to Peru in March hoping for an adventure, but instead, she has found herself in a terrifying and heartbreaking situation.
“She was robbed and assaulted, losing her passport, phone, and all of her money.
“Since then, Hannah’s mental health has severely declined.”
“Despite attempts to help her through official channels, Hannah is deeply fearful and unable to accept support from the embassy or local authorities.
“She is extremely vulnerable, isolated, and not safe living on the streets of Peru.
“Hannah is a deeply kind and gentle soul, and we are desperate to get her the care and safety she deserves. We need to bring her home.”
More than 100,000 Brits travel to Peru every year, with Cusco – the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail – one of the most popular spots.
FCDO travel advice warns tourists to remain alert, saying: “Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas.”
FCDO travel advice to Peru
THE UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Peru due to ongoing safety and security concerns.
Affected areas:
Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto region), excluding the Amazon River and triple border area near Santa Rosa de Yavari.
Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) — a known hotspot for criminal activity.
State of emergency:
A State of Emergency is in place until June 17 across the Lima and Callao regions, including key districts such as San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa El Salvador, and Comas.
This allows joint police-army operations and the suspension of certain constitutional rights – including detention without a judicial order.
Travel insurance warning:
Travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate your travel insurance.
Make sure your policy covers your entire itinerary, including adventure activities or volunteering.
Stay informed and read the full FCDO travel guidance before travelling.
Source: GOV.UK