We haven't been able to take payment
You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Act now to keep your subscription
We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Your subscription is due to terminate
We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account, otherwise your subscription will terminate.

Seven Britons now feared dead in NZ quake

Christchurch residents have been gradually returning to their homes
Christchurch residents have been gradually returning to their homes
MARTY MELVILLE

The British death toll in the New Zealand earthquake is now feared to be at least seven, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

Authorities in Christchurch have formally identified three UK nationals killed in the disaster but another four may also have died.

Among those confirmed dead is Phil Coppeard, 41, a chartered accountant from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, who moved to New Zealand in November with his wife, Suzanne Craig.

Mr Coppeard was travelling into town on a bus when the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck on February 22 and had been missing since.

In a statement released to the BBC, Mr Coppeard’s family said: “He was a very generous spirit, always keen to be involved in the community and charity events.

Advertisement

“His death is a tragedy at the start of an exciting new life in New Zealand.”

They added: “We take comfort in the support we’ve had from family and friends throughout the world - he touched so many lives.”

The only other Briton named as having died in the earthquake is Gregory Tobin, 25, a chef from Tadcaster, North Yorkshire.

He had been on a round-the-world trip and was believed to have been working temporarily at a garage in Christchurch when the quake struck.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “Three British nationals have been formally identified as having died in the New Zealand earthquake. We understand that at least a further four British nationals may also have died.

Advertisement

“We are in contact with the police, who are working to identify them formally.

Trying to establish this information for the families is our first priority.”

The death toll remained at 166 today, with police releasing the names of 13 more victims, including Mr Coppeard.

They have so far named 57 and said post-mortem examinations on those killed were expected to be completed this week.

Superintendent Sam Hoyle said 122 people were still listed as missing but many of those would be among the dead. Search and rescue teams are continuing to work around the city.