British tourist stabbed to death at Hideout music festival in Croatia

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A British man accused of stabbing a Londoner to death at the Hideout music festival in Croatia has appeared in court on suspicion of murder.

The 25-year-old suspect was arrested as he attempted to leave the country after the death of a 26-year-old partygoer on the island of Pag on Wednesday morning.

Police are still investigating the knife attack which also left two other British tourists, aged 21 and 26, injured outside the Kalypso nighclub at Zrce beach at around 5.30am.

The victim has not been officially identified but has been named online as Ugo Wilson, also known as Kraze, from Barnet, north London.

Friends have paid tribute to him on Twitter and Facebook, with one saying: "Can't believe the news. All you needed was a big time break And this happens. Rest in perfect peace boy, sweet dreams babe you will be missed by everyone."

Officials said Mr Wilson was attacked after a fight broke out between two English groups inside the club, according to local media.

Police on the island said in a statement: "By conducting a criminal investigation ... police officers came to find out about a possible perpetrator, and in further research and operational work, his full identity was established.

"Due to the dangers of escape, a search was made and all the police units and all police officers were informed, with emphasis on border crossings and airports.

"The 25-year-old was arrested at the exit control border he approached in an attempt to leave the Republic of Croatia. During the day he will be deployed for criminal investigation at the Novalja Police Station."

The suspect, named in Croatian media only as "Douglas C" was brought in front of a judge and state attorney at Zadar County Court on Friday morning, according to the Dnevnik website.

The Hideout Festival organisers said in a statement they were "working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of everybody on site".

It added: "Following an incident involving a group of young men at Zrće Beach early this morning, one man tragically lost his life.

"We are giving every assistance to the investigation and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the people affected."

The Foreign Office said staff from the British Embassy in Zagreb are supporting the victim's family.