05 September 2023 , 11:29
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A British policewoman is feared to have been plied with methanol-laced alcohol before falling to her death in Corfu.
Hannah Emily Byrne was tragically found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby on the first day of her holiday on Sunday. The 22-year-old, who served for Surrey Police, had opted to stay out while her colleague returned to their hotel.
A postmortem confirmed that she died of a traumatic head injury, but authorities are now investigating whether her drink had been contaminated. In the meantime, officers have been instructed to raid bars "at a minute's notice" amid mounting concerns over the extent of adulterated alcohol being served on the island in recent months.
Chief Superintendent Chris Colley, Divisional Commander for East Surrey, said: “Hannah’s death has been a shock for everyone who knew her. 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 new theory emerges over Hannah's death, here is everything we know so far.
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The 22-year-old was serving for Surrey Police (Hannah Emily/Facebook)Policewoman suffered fatal head injury after falling from a height
The coroner said a postmortem yesterday confirmed Hannah had fallen from a height of several metres. Yannis Aivatidis explained: "Findings included fractures to her thorax, stomach and a small rupture of the spleen. But it was a traumatic head injury that killed her."
It remains unclear whether what led up to her fall, and whether she was alone at the time of her death. Mr Aivatidis added: "I believe she may have confused the building she was staying in and may have fallen attempting to enter the one she was found outside of in an unorthodox manner.
"What remains unclear and is now part of the [police probe] is whether she was abandoned by friends after the fall."
Fears drink had been 'laced with methanol'
The chief medical officer who first examined Hannah said he detected alcohol on her breath. Mr 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?
"The answer lies in the toxicology tests that will be carried out." He expected toxicology tests to reveal "the exact nature" of substances included in the alcohol the police woman had consumed.
A postmortem confirmed that she died of a traumatic head injury (Hannah Emily/Facebook)"It is vital that these substances are revealed," Aivatidis previously told the Mirror. "We expect the result in a few weeks and they are very important because with today's postmortem everything else has been ruled out."
Corfu's police chief Spyridon Skolarikis, has now put the island's force on high alert. Greek bars and clubs have been rife with pure spirit-laced alcoholic drinks in recent months, with 28 bars already closing since Hannah's death.
Officer was 'extremely kind, funny, and caring'
Hannah's heartbroken family paid tribute to her in a statement, describing her as "extremely kind, funny, and caring". They said: “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." The Surrey Police Federation shared its condolences with Hannah's family.
It said: "The thoughts of 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."
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Hannah had a "real zest for life", said her family (Hannah Emily/Facebook)No criminal involvement as death 'was an accident'
Findings have excluded criminal involvement, with Mr Aivatidis saying: "We now know her death was an accident."
Previously, Hannah's friends - who had travelled on holiday with her - told Greek authorities that her phone was missing at some point during the night, leading to speculation that it might have been stolen. However, Mr Aivatidis confirmed that it was found "nearby".
Police investigation ongoing
In a statement on Monday, Surrey Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched by Greek counterparts, and is ongoing.
A force spokesperson said: "Yesterday we were sadly made aware of the sudden death of a serving officer whilst they were on holiday in Corfu, Greece. We are working to support both their family and their colleagues here during this extremely difficult time.
"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." An FCDO spokesperson added: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities."