Murder arrests as Welshpool man killed in Cyprus hit-and-run
A man believed to be from Welshpool has been killed in a hit-and-run crash in Cyprus.
Two people, a 35-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, have been arrested and charged with premeditated murder and attempted murder.
They were brought before the Paphos district court and remanded for eight days.
A 39-year-old man, who was named locally as Charlie Birch, was killed in the crash, which happened on the Peyia-Ayios Georghios road in Paphos in the early hours of Sunday. Another man, aged 32, was injured.
Altercation
They were taken to the Paphos Hospital, where the 39-year-old man was pronounced dead on arrival and the second man was treated, but was said to be “out of danger”.
Police were alerted to an incident at 3am when someone reported two people lying on the road.
Local reports suggest that there had been an altercation at a bar in Coral Bay.
The car believed to have been involved in the hit-and-run was dumped at the Ayios Georghios harbour and had to be removed by the fire service.
While the victim has not been named officially, tributes were being paid online.
One said: "Terrible news about Charlie Birch today RIP mate. My sincere condolences to all his family at this awful time."
Another Facebook post said: “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 friend said: “Terrible news about Charlie Birch today RIP mate. My sincere condolences to all his family at this awful time.”
A different friend said: “One thing on my mind today. A loyal friend, a lovable rogue and an awesome dad! Life changes in a blink of the eye…rest in peace Charlie Birch. Gone but never forgotten…”
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.”
