Cyprus hit-and-run victim was dad of 2 on dream family hol Man mown down after fight in a bar
A BRITISH holidaymaker killed in a hit-and-run while on a family trip in Cyprus was yesterday named as dad-of-two Charlie Birch.
Charlie, 39, was walking back to his hotel with his brother-in-law when they were allegedly targeted following a fight.
Fellow tourists claimed the pair were mown down on the roadside after stepping in to defend a woman involved in an earlier altercation in a bar in Paphos.
Builder Charlie, a keen golfer from Welshpool, Powys, died at the scene early on Sunday. His brother-in-law Will Pritchard, 32, was injured in the attack, but is expected to survive.
Charlie was on holiday with his two young daughters, his mother and his sister’s family, after saving up for a year.
Detectives on the island have arrested a 35-year-old man and a woman aged 23, both of them locals, on suspicion of murder.
They appeared in court on Sunday and were remanded in custody for eight days. Yesterday, friends described Charlie as “salt of the earth”.
His pal Graham Breeze said: “He was very well known and well liked here.
“It’s been a tragic end to what was to have been a perfect family holiday. It’s a very difficult situation.”
Self-employed salesman Will, a father to two girls, remains in hospital in the Cypriot resort.
His dad, William, said: “He’s taken it very badly. He’s in hospital and there’s not much we can do to help.
“He’s got two children – they’re on holiday there with him. We’re waiting to hear back about doctor’s reports.”
Charlie’s other brother in-law, Adrian Bowen, said: “It is an absolutely horrendous experience.
“The family are trying to fly home as soon as they can.”
The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was found dumped in the sea at the nearby Agios Georgios harbour.