Cardiff Hit-And-Runs: Man Faces Court

The man charged over the murder of a mother-of-three who died in an apparent hit-and-run attack in Cardiff has been named as Matthew Tvrdon.

The 31-year-old, who has also been charged with 13 counts of attempted murder and four counts of assault, as well as dangerous driving, arrived at Cardiff Magistrates' Court this morning.

The charges were announced just hours after hundreds of people grieved for Karina Menzies, 31, at a church service in the city.

She was killed on Friday when she was hit by a white van outside Ely Fire Station.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley said: "South Wales Police has been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the community.

"We wish to express our sincere thanks to the many people who have come forward to give information, provide witness accounts, and offer both CCTV and mobile phone footage of Friday's traumatic and tragic events.

"While a man has been charged, the investigation is still very much ongoing and we still appeal for anyone with information to contact the incident room at Cardiff Central Police Station."

Hundreds of people gathered to share their grief at the church and prayer service on Sunday.

The raw emotion in the Welsh capital was evident as 200 people held a minute's silence for Ms Menzies.

Reverend Jan Gould led a special service at the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, breaking down before the packed congregation.

She said from the pulpit: "Whether we've personally known one or more of the victims of Friday's terrible events, or whether we are here as a member of this community simply wanting to show solidarity, there can be no one who has not been profoundly affected by what has happened here this week.

"This must surely be perhaps the deepest grief we have shared as a community.

"This grief, of Karina's tragic death ... has broken the heart of our community, and the healing work that is now to be done will take a very, very long time.

"We will never be the same again as a community - for how can we not be changed after such a tragedy."

In her service, Ms Gould pleaded with her 600-strong congregation to respond to the events with love.

"The only way that we can move forward into the future with hope is by responding to this suffering the same way Jesus did - with love," she said.

"Not malice, not hatred, not revenge. Not taking the law into our own hands - that's what our justice system is for."