Briton held over Crete stab death

A 19-year-old British man has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing a compatriot to death during a mass brawl on the Greek island of Crete.

Another 17 Britons were arrested for their involvement in the melee, according to Crete police. The victim, aged 19, was stabbed in the chest with a knife and died as he was being taken to hospital.

The violent altercation occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning outside a bar in Malia, which is a notorious party destination. Police said nearly 30 British people were involved in the fight.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Malia, Greece, on July 23. We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family.

"We are aware of the arrests of a number of British nationals in Malia, Crete, on July 23. We are in touch with the local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance."

In May the British ambassador to Greece, John Kittmer, launched a Holiday Hangover campaign in Malia to promote responsible behaviour by young British tourists.