Detective dies in US hotel fall

Dc Rhydian Phillips was married with young children

A detective has died after falling from the 22nd floor of a Manhattan hotel during a South Wales Police rugby tour to New York.

Detective Constable Rhydian David Phillips, 34, from Pencoed, near Bridgend, died on Thursday, a Foreign Office spokesman confirmed.

Police officers in New York have been investigating Mr Phillips' death.

South Wales Police Inspector Chris Daniel said the death was not believed to be suspicious.

A spokeswoman from the force said in a statement that Mr Phillips' body was discovered at 1300 BST.

"His family has been informed and South Wales Police family liaison officers are supporting them through this difficult time," she said.

"Steps are being taken to fly Rhydian's body back to the UK as soon as possible and a number of his closest colleagues on the tour will return with him.

Rhydian was a wonderful husband and father to our two children Justine Phillips

"Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this tragic time and we are doing everything possible to support them."

Mr Phillips' wife, Justine, has said: "Rhydian was a wonderful husband and father to our two children.

"He was a dedicated officer who loved his job. He also loved his sport. We all love him and we will all miss him dearly."

'Devastated'

The South Wales Police XV had flown to New York on Wednesday.

They were due to take on a New York Select XV for the inaugural Eric Liddell Memorial Cup at the end of the first British-American Charity Rugby Festival on Sunday.

The Welsh team was raising money for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

The New York Police Department said Mr Phillips fell from the Milford Plaza Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

The 34-year-old had played for Pencoed RFC until the end of last season, when he left to play for South Wales Police.

Pencoed treasurer Steve Phillips, who is no relation, said: "We are all devastated. This is going to leave a huge hole in our club."

The detective had been a team captain during several seasons, Mr Phillips said, and despite leaving the side was still a regular visitor to the clubhouse.

"He was in the club last Sunday telling everybody all the details of his trip. He was immensely looking forward to it," he added.

The club is planning to raise funds for the officer's family as a tribute to him.