A British tourist has been killed and another injured in a 'deliberate' hit-and-run in Cyprus amid reports they had earlier intervened in an argument between a man and a woman.

Builder Charlie Birch, 39, from Powys, Wales was walking home after a night out with a 32-year-old friend when he was struck along a road near the resort of Paphos.

Mr Birch, a father-of-two who was on a family holiday, was pronounced dead at the scene, on Peyia-Ayios Georghios road, while the younger man was taken to hospital in Paphos with non life-threatening injuries.

British tourist Charlie Birch (pictured) has been killed and another injured in a 'deliberate' hit-and-run in Cyprus amid reports they had earlier intervened in an argument between a man and a woman

Builder Charlie Birch (pictured), 39, from Powys, Wales was walking home after a night out with a 32-year-old friend when he was struck along a road near the resort of Paphos

Mr Birch, a father-of-two who was on a family holiday, was pronounced dead at the scene (pictured), on Peyia-Ayios Georghios road, while the younger man was taken to hospital in Paphos with non life-threatening injuries

The car understood to have been involved in the hit-and-run was later found abandoned in the sea at Ayios Georghios harbour (pictured)

The hit-and-run, at about 2.30am on Sunday, is said to have taken place after the two men had tried to intervene in a row between a man and a woman in a bar in Coral Bay.

They are believed to have stepped in to defend the woman who was allegedly being hit by the man, according to the Cyprus Mail. The rowing couple then left the bar in a vehicle.

Police said two people, a 35-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, are now facing charges of premeditated murder.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'We are offering advice and support to the family of a British man following his death in Cyprus, and are in contact with the Cypriot authorities.'

Family friend Graham Breeze said: 'Charlie was very well-known and well-liked here. It is a terrible tragedy for the family.'

Charlie went on the dream family holiday with his two daughters, his mother and other members of the family after saving up for a year.

Mr Birch, who was on a family holiday, was pronounced dead at the scene, on Peyia-Ayios Georghios road, while the younger man was taken to hospital in Paphos with non life-threatening injuries

Mr Breeze, a town councillor, said: 'It's been a tragic end to what was to have been a perfect family holiday. It's a very difficult situation.

'Obviously, Charlie was on what should have been an idyllic holiday with his two daughters and his mother and his extended family. It's a tragic situation really. The town will be very supportive.

'It's a tragic situation - a needless loss of a young life. It 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!'

She said: 'Life changes in a blink of the eye. Rest in peace Charlie Birch. Gone but never forgotten.'

In an online tribute, friend Cassia Williams said: 'You were my friend, my 'babe' you were always going to be there, cause you were Charlie, Charlie Birch.

'I've woken up with a hangover, not from beer but from the loss and the ache in my guts knowing I'll never see you again. Life will never be the same.'

Friends have also paid tribute to Mr Birch, a keen golfer, on Facebook.

A British tourist has been killed and another injured in a 'deliberate' hit-and-run near Paphos (pictured) in Cyprus amid reports they had intervened in an argument between and man and woman

One wrote: 'Rest in Peace Charlie Birch, you were one of few people in Welshpool who I loved and adored!!!! You looked after me regardless of my many short comings!'

Another friend said: 'Terrible news about Charlie Birch today RIP mate. My sincere condolences to all his family at this awful time.'

A different friend said: 'One thing on my mind today. A loyal friend, a lovable rogue and an awesome dad! Life changes in a blink of the eye...rest in peace Charlie Birch. Gone but never forgotten...'

Another, who had not seen Mr Birch for a few years, posted: 'Rip Charlie Birch, very sad news, hadn't seen you for a few years, but always had a natter when we bumped into each other, fly high with your old best buddy George, my heart goes out to your family and friends.'

The car understood to have been involved in the hit-and-run was later found abandoned in the sea at Ayios Georghios harbour.

Eyewitnesses told officers said they had seen a man and woman in the water and that the woman had to be helped from the sea when she called for help.

The man made it out himself and the couple left on foot before both were picked up by police, the Cyprus Mail adds.