A flight ended in tragedy last night when a passenger suffered what is believed to have been a heart attack just after take - off. Early reports say the man, understood to be a British citizen, was discovered unconscious in the toilet by an air steward.

The Monarch Airbus A321 had only been in the airbourne for five minutes when pilots made a diversion to Paphos on the west coast.

In a statement to the Famagusta Gazette tonight, Monarch confirmed that flight ZB715 from Larnaca to London Gatwick, had to divert to Paphos after a passenger was taken ill on board shortly after departure from Larnaca.

The statement added that passenger and one companion were transferred to hospital, and the aircraft continued on to London Gatwick, landing at 0325 local time.

Cyprus Local radio reported that the passenger was pronounced dead on arrival at Paphos General Hospital.

Details about the mans identity have not been released by Paphos police.