A SERIAL killer may be on the loose in a popular tourist town, officials have warned after the murders of three women.

Cops are scouring over evidence and surveillance footage as they probe connections between the three deaths in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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Tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta has been rocked by the murder of three women this month Credit: Getty

Missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martínez could be the latest victim, according to local reports Credit: Facebook

On May 10 the first female victim was discovered near a well-known viewpoint, Rancho El Piruli in Chimborazo.

Just five days later the second victim was found at a roadside stop along a highway.

The most recent body was left on a dirt road in the Parque Las Palmas neighbourhood.

The three women were all in their early-to-mid thirties and had tattoos.

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A missing persons report for Elizabeth Martinez who disappeared in April Credit: Unknown

Their bodies were found in isolated areas, partially undressed.

None of the victims have been identified.

The latest body was found with tattoo markings around the neck, hand, and arm.

The distinctive tattoos – including a skull, a woman with horns, and a name – could help to identify the victim.

Her body also reportedly showed signs of violence, Mexico News Daily reported.

Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest the latest victim could be missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez.

Martinez, from Mexico, vanished in April and her tattoos match some of those found on the victim, according to a missing person report.

The investigation is still in its initial stages, with cops also probing the possibility the women’s bodies were transported to Puerto Vallarta after being murdered elsewhere.

The three victims were all found in isolated areas across the tourist town Credit: Alamy

The mystery comes just months after an explosion of cartel violence gripped the town Credit: Reuters

It comes just months after the tourist town was rocked by an explosion of cartel violence.

Bloodthirsty members of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel burned busses and looted shops in revenge for the death of their leader El Mencho in a military operation.

Terrifying footage showed tourists fleeing through Guadalajara airport as armed cartel members stormed through the travel hub firing off shots.

Hundreds of roadblocks were imposed by the gangs as they successfully shut down the city in a violent protest.

Cars were set alight as thick plumes of smoke made Guadalajara look like a war zone, according to terrified witnesses.

Thousands of tourists and locals were forced to bunker down in their homes and hotels as gunfire went on for hours.

As Mexico gears up to host the World Cup, fears continue to swirl over safety.

Nearly 100,000 police, soldiers and guards will be deployed to protect fans when the tournament kicks off on June 11.

Games will be hosted in three stadiums across the country, one in Mexico City, one in Monterrey and one in Guadalajara.

Officials say the massive deployment will cover stadiums, fan zones, airports, and transport hubs when the tournament arrives.