DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) - Indonesian police have arrested a construction worker suspected of murdering a British woman in her rented villa on the holiday island of Bali, an official said on Sunday.

Hambali, 32, was arrested on Saturday in Jakarta where he fled to after allegedly robbing and killing 40-year-old Anne Marie Drozdz, in the cultural tourism district of Ubud on Thursday afternoon, police said.

"The suspect has been arrested and is being investigated," Bali police spokesman Hery Wiyanto told AFP.

Bali general investigations police commissioner Refi Pribadi on Saturday said Hambali, who goes by one name, had stolen a mobile phone, a motorcycle and 20 million rupiah (S$2,200) from Ms Drozdz.

"We arrested him on charges of robbery and murder," he said.

Drozdz was found by the owner of the villa lying dead on the floor with a black cloth over her face, police said earlier.

Forensics experts said that the woman's body showed bruises on the neck and around the mouth.

A British embassy spokesman in Jakarta confirmed the death, adding that embassy officials were "ready to provide assistance to the family" and that they were cooperating with local authorities.