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Tributes have been paid to a British bar owner who died in Lanzarote after allegedly being pushed down a flight of steps during a fight.
Chris Thomas, 50, died a day after being rushed to hospital following the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A German man aged 46 and described locally as a troublemaker who had reportedly been banned from several bars and pubs in the island resort of Costa Teguise, is in custody.
He was arrested on suspicion of homicide and has been remanded in jail pending an ongoing investigation after appearing before a judge on Monday.
Friends and loved ones described London-born expat Chris as caring, loving and funny in social media tributes today.
Chris Thomas (pictured), 50, died a day after being rushed to hospital following the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning
Friends and loved ones described London-born expat Chris Thomas (pictured) as caring, loving and funny in social media tributes today
Dozens of Brits have left messages on the Facebook page of The Clock, the bar Chris owned and which remains closed following the tragedy.
Ken Moore wrote: ‘A huge hole has been left in our hearts and minds. A true gentleman. A lovely man. A great character. A smile that would light up any room.
‘The world has lost someone very special. He will be missed by so many.’
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He added: ‘It was a pleasure and privilege to have you as a friend.’
Jen Blackburn wrote: ‘I’ve no words that could possibly help at this truly devastating time. So incredibly sorry that you should all be facing such a tragic loss. Chris was a friend to all…One of life’s real good guys. His passing will be felt so strongly by so many. I feel privileged to have known him and shared so many laughs. My heart goes out to all of you and you will all be in my thoughts.’
Stacey Lee said: ‘So sad to hear this, one thing I always noticed about Chris was his amazing smile and twinkle in his eye, may you rest in peace Chris.’
Calling him ‘caring, lovely and funny’ Tracy Wiles wrote: ‘We all will never be the same again, but every day you will be in our thoughts you beautiful man. Love you so much Chris and now our friend.’
View of Costa Teguise, a touristic resort on Lanzarote island, Spain (Stock image)
Confirming it was currently closed, staff at The Clock said in a social media message: ‘As you may well be aware now or soon. We have lost Chris. The Clock is closed.
‘We will keep you informed.’
One local report said the incident that led to Chris’s death happened at The Clock, but well-placed sources said it had occurred at a nearby commercial centre by a fast food restaurant.
Police were called shortly after 3am on Sunday and assisted in providing emergency medical assistance before making the arrest.
The dead man’s parents are believed to live in Lanzarote although he has siblings thought to be based in the UK.
