Friends pay tribute to holiday Briton killed in hit-and-run
TRIBUTES are pouring in for a British tourist killed in a hit-and-run in Cyprus.
Builder Charlie Birch, 39, of Welshpool in Powys, Wales, had been walking home with a friend after a night out when he was struck on a road close to the resort of Paphos.
It is believed they had intervened in an argument between a man and a woman earlier in the evening in Coral Bay.
The father of two, who had travelled to the island for a family holiday, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other man, 32, was treated in hospital for non life-threatening injuries.
The incident happened on Sunday at 2.30am after the duo had stepped in to defend the woman, who is alleged to have been hit by the man.
Cyprus police said a 35-yearold man and a 23-year-old woman are facing charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder.
They appeared at Paphos district court and were remanded for eight days.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 3am after passers-by found the two men lying in the road.
Family friend Graham Breeze said: “Charlie was well known and well liked here. It is terrible for the family.”
It was meant to be a dream holiday for the builder who had gone to Cyprus with his two daughters, his mother and other family members after saving up for a year.
Mr Breeze said: “It’s been a tragic end to what was to have been a perfect family holiday.
“A needless loss of a young life. It has cast a dark shadow over the town of Welshpool.”
Friend Cheryl Griffiths described him as a “loyal friend, a lovable rogue and an awesome dad”.
And Cassia Williams said: “You were my friend, my ‘babe’, you were always going to be there, because you were Charlie Birch.”
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are offering advice and support to the family of a British man after his death in Cyprus and are in contact with the Cypriot authorities.”