British tourist killed in ‘deliberate hit-and-run’ following ‘bar fight’ in Cyprus

A British tourist has been killed in a suspected deliberate hit-and-run in Cyprus. Charlie Birch, 39, was allegedly targeted after being involved in a bar fight in Coral Bay in the early hours of Monday morning.

The father-of-two died after he was mowed down while walking with a friend, 32, near Paphos at around 2.30am.

Mr Birch’s friend was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. 

Police later arrested a man, 35, and a 23-year-old woman, on suspicious of murder after a car was found dumped in the sea.

They have been remanded for eight days after appearing at the Paphos district court. 

Tributes have been paid to Mr Birch, who was on holiday with his two daughters, his mother and other members of the family.

He was from Welshpool, Powys, in Wales.

A friend wrote on his Facebook page: ‘Rest in Peace Charlie Birch, you were one of few people in Welshpool who I loved and adored!!!! You looked after me regardless of my many short comings!’

Another person added: ‘Terrible news about Charlie Birch today RIP mate. My sincere condolences to all his family at this awful time.’

A grieving friend, who had not seen Mr Birch for a few years, posted: “Rip Charlie Birch, very sad news, hadn’t seen you for a few years, but always had a natter when we bumped into each other, fly high with your old best buddy George, my heart goes out to your family and friends.”

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: ‘We are offering advice and support to the family of a British man following his death in Cyprus and are in contact with the Cypriot authorities.’

Metro UK