Fears of serial killer grow after 3 women found dead in tourist hotspot as police release update

Authorities in a popular tourist resort are investigating whether the deaths of three women could be connected and down to a serial killer.

It's believed that up to two million Americans a year visit the Mexican resort of Puerto Vallarta, which is known for its incredible beaches and vibrant nightlife.

However, the area has become marred with tragedy in recent times, with the bodies of three women, all said to be tattooed and between 30 and 35 years old, being found deceased this month.

The first victim was discovered by police near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area on May 10, while another woman's body was found at a roadside stop along a highway just a matter of days later on May 15.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination (Getty Stock Images)

And on May 21, officials discovered a third body on a dirt road in the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood.

Mexico News Daily reported that the woman had tattoos on her neck, hand and arm. These distinctive tattoos were uncovered, including a name which may well help identify the victim, as well as ink of a skull, and a woman with horns.

The three bodies were said to be found in a similar state - partially undressed with severe injuries to their faces and bodies, local outlets reported.

Police are now investigating whether there is any link between the deaths amid worries a serial killer could be on the loose.

Cops are also exploring the possibility that the victims could have been killed elsewhere before being transported to Puerto Vallarta.

An investigation into the deaths is ongoing (Alfredo ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)

The prosecutor's office has said it is not ruling out any lines of inquiry.

It comes just months after tourists were stranded in the sunshine location following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known more commonly as 'El Mencho', was killed.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel was killed in February, which lead to violent protests in Puerto Vallarta.

Adryan Moorefield, from Dallas, had been holidaying there and spoke to CNN about his struggles to get home.

"It was such a complete shocker, and it almost felt like being in the twilight zone," he told the outlet. "We’ve been to PV before and thought that this would be a no brainer place to come and do a quick, easy beach vacation.”

Many other American tourists were stranded at the time of the violence.