Former newspaper editor and wife killed by car in Spain

A former editor of the Daily Star and Sunday Express has been run over and killed along with his wife in Spain.

Brian Hitchen, 77, and his wife Nelli were struck by a car on Sunday while crossing a road in Altea, near Benidorm.

Mr Hitchen was the editor of the Daily Star from 1987 to 1994, and the Sunday Express in 1995. He had also worked for the Daily Mirror and National Enquirer.

A spokeswoman for Northern & Shell, the Daily Express and Daily Star's parent company, told the BBC: "We can confirm the sad news that Brian Hitchen, former editor of the Daily Star and the Sunday Express, and his wife, Nelli, have died after being been involved in a serious road accident in Spain.

"Brian was taken to a hospital in a very grave condition and doctors were not able to save him.

"Nelli very sadly died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family at this time."

According to the Daily Mail, Piers Morgan paid tribute to Mr Hitchen on Twitter, writing: "Horrendous news about Brian Hitchen and his wife Nelly. Great editor and wonderful character. Gave me my 1st shift in Fleet Street. RIP."

Hugh Whittow, the Daily Express editor, worked with Hitchen for several years at the Star. He told the Guardian: "Brian was one of my very best friends and I am deeply, deeply saddened by this tragic news. Brian was talented, funny, generous, full of mischief and everyone loved him.

"He was devoted to Nelli and she was devoted to him, and they both adored their children and grandchildren. This is tragic news."

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