Coroner investigating if British police officer was given toxic alcohol before being found dead in Corfu
A coroner is investigating whether a young British woman who was found dead in Corfu had drunk toxic alcohol.
Hannah Byrne was on holiday in Greece when she was found lying unconscious by the roadside in Kavos, close to a bar.
The 22-year-old had joined Surrey Police last year, where she as working as part of its Neighbourhood Policing Team in Reigate.
Sadly, however, while away last week, she somehow sustained injuries to her head and died.
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And now, the coroner conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Byrne's death has said there are questions over whether she had consumed booze that had been 'tampered with'.
Speaking to The Sun, Yannis Aivatidis said: "There are questions as to what kind of alcohol she consumed.
"Had it been illicitly tampered with?
"Was she so intoxicated because [illegal] methanol was in the alcoholic drinks she had consumed?
"An investigation into the circumstances of the death is being led by the Greek authorities and we await further updates from them as they conduct their enquiries."
Following news of her sudden passing, Ms Byrne's family released a statement, paying tribute to her.
The statement read: "Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life.
"She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.”
Chief Superintendent Chris Colley, Divisional Commander for East Surrey, said she was a dedicated member of the force and had a bright future ahead of her.
"Hannah’s death has been a shock for everyone who knew her," he said.
"She was a bright, enthusiastic and respected officer just at the start of her career in policing and she will be sadly missed.
"As a Force, we are now doing everything we can to support her family and her colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”
Ms Byrne was found unconscious 'near a bar in Kavos', it's been revealed.
An investigation has now been launched into the circumstances around her death, with police analysing CCTV footage from the area.
In a statement, Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble said: “Devastating news with the confirmation that a 22-year-old Surrey Police officer has died off duty on holiday in Greece.
"The officer’s name has not been released and the circumstances into her death on Friday are being investigated.”
He added: “The thoughts from all at Surrey Police Federation are with the officer’s family, friends, and close colleagues at this time. Both the Federation and the force are supporting them.”
The UK government has confirmed it is working with Ms Byrne's family and the authorities in Greece during its investigation.
Topics: UK News
Dominic Smithers