Internet Scot stabbed to death by love rival

A SCOT has been stabbed to death by a jealous boyfriend after travelling to the Philippines to propose to a woman he met on the internet.

John McDonald, a 28 year old Merchant Navy officer from Aberdeen, had flown almost 7000 miles to propose to Nanqueen "Nancy" Romero, a 31 year old who had placed her details on a dating website.

But it was revealed yesterday that he was stabbed to death at the weekend, three days after arriving in the South east Asian country to meet his bride to be.

The woman he planned to marry also suffered serious stab wounds in the attack by her jealous boyfriend who was still on the run last night from police.

According to reports in the Philippine capital of Manila, Mr McDonald, had decided to fly to the Philippines after falling for Ms Romero.

The couple began their online romance several months ago and Mr McDonald travelled last week to the town of Angona, 20 miles east of the capital, to meet Ms Romero face to face for the first time. Detectives believe she failed to tell him she already had a boyfriend, named as Anselmo Lacostales, who also appears to have been kept in the dark about the chat room romance.

According to police sources, Lacostales grabbed a knife and attacked Mr McDonald and Ms Romero after learning of their relationship. Mr McDonald died after being repeatedly stabbed and Ms Romero suffered stab wounds to the stomach and arms in the attack.

As Mr McDonald lay bleeding on the floor, Lacostales stole his wallet, before fleeing the scene. He was still being hunted by detectives last night.

A police spokesman said: "Mr McDonald arrived in the Philippines last Thursday and called around at Nancy's house on Saturday. From what we understand, she introduced her live-in boyfriend, Lacostales as her brother. But trouble came after they all went out to dinner."

Mr McDonald's mother, Joanne and step father Gary Gibson were too upset to speak about the tragedy at their home in Kirkton Road, Fraserburgh, last night.

But they released a statement through Grampian Police in which they spoke of how his death had left "a gap in so many people's lives that will never be filled."

Mr McDonald had remained close to his family despite a globe-trotting career with the Merchant Navy. A second mate, he had worked originally on North Sea oil rig supply ships but latterly had worked on international contracts in the Merchant fleet.

His mum said: "He was a much-loved son and brother and was very close to his family.His death is a tragedy and he will leave a gap in so many people's lives that will never be filled."