A British citizen found with his throat cut and dumped in a Bali rice field has strong family ties to Australia.

Indonesian police identified the man as Robert Kelvin Ellis, 60, who owned a villa in Sanur and had been living there for years.

The body was found about 8am local time on Tuesday and was already in a state of decay.

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Locals found it in a trench at the edge of a rice field that was far from any houses in Sedang Village, between the tourist towns of Ubud and Kuta.

It was tied and wrapped in plastic and bedding.

“There was a wound in his neck. The neck was almost cut entirely,” Detective Wisnu Wardana told reporters.

“We suspect that there has been physical violence to the body.”

Detectives found a mat at the crime scene, which they believe was used to move Mr Ellis’ body, as well as money and a mobile phone.

Ida Bagus Putu Alit, head of forensics at Sanglah Hospital, confirmed the injuries, saying an autopsy found bruising on the man’s face, and three open wounds in the neck.

“The fatal wounds were caused by sharp-object violence,” he said.

It is believed Mr Ellis has two sons studying in Australia.

Komang Suartana, the head of Badung police, said that police were still investigating the case.

“This is a murder case. But we are yet to find the motive. Our investigation team are still conducting the investigation,” Suartana said.

Flowers began arriving at the Bali villa on Tuesday afternoon, addressed to Mr Ellis’ wife, Noor.

One tribute read: “Bob was a wonderful man. He will be missed by all of us Noor”.

– with AAP, ABC