The family of a young British police officer who died on holiday in Corfu nearly three years ago are still waiting for answers after the inquest into her death was postponed for a sixth time.
What happened to Hannah Byrne in Kavos?
Hannah Byrne, 22, a Surrey Police officer, was found dead with a fatal head injury on the side of a road in Kavos on September 2, 2023, the morning after she arrived on holiday with a friend. Greek authorities initially believed she died from an accidental fall, but her family has raised concerns about the circumstances.
CCTV footage showed Hannah becoming separated from her friend and later going to a bar with two British teenage girls, aged 14 and 16 at the time. The trio were seen climbing a ladder onto a roof of an apartment building, but only two people were seen climbing back down. Hannah's body was discovered on the pavement below the next morning. Her mobile phone was later traced to the roof, and a bracelet that did not belong to her was also found there.
Family calls for interviews with teenage girls
Hannah's mother, Sarah Warner, believes the two girls, now aged 16 and 18, could hold vital information. She told The Sun: "We just want answers for the last few minutes of Hannah's life. We thought the girls would be interviewed quite early on. But without the two girls being spoken to, the investigation can't be concluded."
Greek investigators also explored whether Hannah had consumed methanol-contaminated alcohol, but toxicology tests ruled that out. Sarah added: "It feels that from very early on it was just convenient to say Hannah was a drunk Brit, tripped over and died."
Inquest delayed for sixth time
The inquest, scheduled for today, was adjourned until December by West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Coroner Service, as Greek authorities have not yet concluded their investigation. This marks the sixth postponement. The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Corfu told the BBC the case file is at the preliminary investigation stage and they are not authorised to disclose information.
The family's local MP, Chris Coghlan, raised the case in Parliament on Monday, urging the Home Office to accelerate the investigation. He said: "Her family still don't know if the Home Office ever responded to the Greek authorities' 2024 request to allow UK police to interview these women." Minister of State for Security Dame Angela Eagle confirmed she would meet with Coghlan to discuss the matter.
Family continues to seek closure
Hannah had fulfilled a childhood dream of joining Surrey Police, following three generations of police officers in her family. Her brother Ollie attended Parliament and said: "Things should never have got to this stage, but hopefully this is a step in the right direction in terms of getting closure. That way, at least we as a family can grieve." Sarah added: "Even the smallest detail could make a huge difference."
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment.
