Charlie Birch: MP seeks full Cyprus investigation after hit-and-run holiday death
Police in Cyprus have been urged to carry out a thorough investigation after the hit-and-run death of a holidaymaker from Welshpool.
MP Glyn Davies has held talks with the Foreign Office following the death of Charlie Birch.
He said he has also called on Cypriot authorities to ensure those responsible for the 39-year-old father's death are held to account.
Mr Birch died and his brother-in-law Will Pritchard was seriously injured when they were hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The men had been enjoying a family holiday in the resort of Paphos, where the crash happened.
The incident is believed to have been deliberate and a man and a woman have been charged with premeditated murder.
Mr Pritchard, aged 32 and also from Welshpool, is said to be 'out of danger' and recovering in hospital.
Assurances
Mr Davies, the MP for Montgomeryshire whose constituency office is in Welshpool, has since been in discussion with the Foreign Office about the tragedy. He has also sought assurances from the police in Cyprus.
He said: "Discussions have been held with the Foreign Office.
"What I can say on such a terrible tragedy is very limited.
"But what I’ve sought is guarantees that the Cyprus police will be rigorous in carrying out investigations, and will hold anyone found responsible to account, and ensure they will face full force of the law.
"Early indications are that this is the case. I feel great sympathy for family and friends."
Mr Birch had been on holiday with his two daughters and mother, as well as his sister, Mr Pritchard and their children.
Reports in Cyprus suggested there was an altercation in a bar in the Coral Bay area just outside the town prior to the hit-and-run.
Mr Birch and Mr Pritchard were later found on the Peyia-Ayios Georghios Road with serious injuries and Mr Birch was pronounced dead on arrival at Paphos hospital.
A 35-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday and both were charged with premeditated murder and attempted murder.
They were taken before the Paphos district court and remanded for eight days.
Social media posts
County councillor Graham Breeze led the tributes yesterday.
Today he said he'd been contacted by the family who have thanked all well wishers, but have asked for people to stop putting upsetting information on social media.
He added: "The family of the late Charlie Birch, who died in tragic circumstances in Cyprus on Sunday morning have expressed their thanks for the support they have received but are asking that people stop putting information on Facebook which could prove upsetting to family members.
"Simple messages of condolence are much appreciated."
