Jimny timing belt broken

Hi Folks, I have a 2003 Jimny manual and parked it one day, 3 days later tried to start it and the engine would turn but not fire up. It has been determined that the timing belt has slipped or broken as I  tried to start the car.  Is this a normal occurance and will there be any engine damage seeing that the car was stationery all the time?

Does your engine have a plastic cover on the front between the block and the rotating ancillaries it's just that most hard top Jimny by 2003 were on chains not belts. As to turning over and over and not starting I wouldn't put a snapped belt anywhere near the list of possible causes, is this diagnosis via a professional facility? There's many things that could cause your symptoms from electronic sensor failure to fuel system failure I really wouldn't jump to a failed cambelt.

Thanks for your thoughts. The opinion is per a professional. mechanic. It was also the last option from my mind. He checked through the oil filler plug and as I cranked the engine he noticed the tappets were not moving. The engine is a m13a. According to the specs this model still has a timing belt. I was thinking of removing the tappet cover to check is the belt/chain is intact.
The fuel pump is working,as I can hear the pressure noise as I swtich on the ignition.
It was just strange to me that the timing belt would break as i started the engine.

M13a has a timing chain, not belt

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Well, if the valves aren't moving when the engine is turned over then something has clearly broken.

So your next step is to remove the timing cover (if there is one) and have a look. Or take off the cylinder head cover and have a look in there.

The chance of snapping the timing chain on its own is very small and the chance of it still being able to turn over without making some very horrible noises is even smaller. By all means take the rocker cover off and confirm but I really expect it to be something else. This professional, are they a specialist you have used for years or just the first one you found in the phone book?

Thank you. I cannot see the timing cover but I will remove the cylinder head cover and check today.

Yes and what is even stranger to me is that the vehicle was stationery. as I tried starting the engine this problem occurred. NO noises, no metallic grinding..........just the engine turning the fan but no starting. i live in Cyprus and the mechanic , qualified apparently works for his dad in a small family business. I have used them for 18months now.
Thanks for input.

Crank woodruff key sheared, keyway stripped?

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After removing the tappet cover i see that the timing chain has sagged between the 2 camshaft gears. I assume from this that is has snapped somewhere near the crankshaft.. on the positive side, because the engine was not running I doubt (and pray) that no damage has been done to valves or pistons.
Is the replacement of a timing belt a "engine out" job or can one preform this task by removing the radiator?
Thanks for all advice.

Having never had to change one I don't know, probably easier on the bench and then you can check or replace the clutch at the same time but I don't know how necessary taking the motor out actually is.

It's very unusual for a timing chain to simply snap! Be interesting to find out what has caused it. Replacement is much the same as replacing a timing belt, you don't need to take the engine out. Access on the Jimny is better than most cars once you have the radiator out.