SPANISH cops have ruled out a murder probe after the suspicious death of Irishman Michael Grant – despite the tourist being so badly injured they thought he’d initially been hit by a car.
The dramatic U-turn came after Civil Guard investigators failed to find footage of the 44-year-old involved in a traffic accident on CCTV cameras following an “exhaustive search”.
Local media reported that officers were now investigating the theory he had a bust-up with a so-called ‘looky looky’ man which turned into a fight.
The tourist was found with horrific injuries to his chest and legs that were so bad cops thought he’d initially been involved in a hit and run.
He also had mysterious bite marks that cops have still been unable to explain.
Now well-placed sources have confirmed the 44-year-old’s death will not be treated as a homicide following the autopsy, despite his inconsistent injuries.
They said: “The injuries the holidaymaker had were not life-threatening and this investigation is neither a murder or homicide probe at this stage, nor do we expect it to become one.
“But we are looking into the hours leading up to his death because something has happened that needs to be properly explained.
“Everything is pointing to this man being involved in some sort of altercation and being hit by a car in incidents that may or may not be unrelated.”
A former murder squad cop has said the case “smacks of homicide”.
Peter Bleksley said he was concerned that law enforcement officers in Spain had only followed one or two avenues and were working differing theories.
He said: “There are so many red flags.
“From what we’ve heard, bite marks, apparently another wound that may have glass in it and injuries to his legs that may or may not be consistent by being hit by a vehicle.
“There are so many question marks thrown up here.”
He continued: “I would apply a rule that used to feature in the murder investigation handbook, and that says think murder until proven otherwise,
“Because there clearly are a number of questions here.
“What’s to say that the alcohol and cocaine in his blood system is not linked to the injuries which may or may not have been incurred.
“But by the vehicle which may in turn be linked to the bite marks – it all could be part of one particular narrative.
“Okay, they may be separate and completely unconnected, but only by adopting the position that I’m going to treat this as a murder, and therefore cover all options until it’s proven that it’s not”.
Despite finding no apparent link between a suspected traffic accident and his death, the case remains a mystery.
Local media reported that officers were now investigating the theory he had a bust-up with a so-called ‘looky looky’ man which turned into a fight.
“There are still a lot of unanswered questions we need to try to get to the bottom of.”
It comes after the autopsy showed Michael had consumed cocaine and alcohol before he died, which police believe to be linked to his collapse and sudden death rather than any altercation preceding it.
Police have also been unable to explain the mysterious bite marks, with saliva samples taken from the two bite marks, one on his shoulder and one on his chest, to determine who is responsible.
Tissues samples have been taken to Barcelona for further testing.
As well as knee and leg injuries physiotherapist Michael, from Waterford, had scratches and bite marks on his body and a cut to his back with glass still inside.
A medical examiner previously indicated in a pre-autopsy examination she thought his leg and knee injuries were consistent with having been hit by a car.
It is not clear how much evidence officers have at this moment to support this line of inquiry.
Michael, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, collapsed in Martin Ros Street close to Magaluf’s notorious Punta Ballena around 4.30 am on Monday.
He had reportedly taken a wrong turn and become separated from other members of his group after spending the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool before going out partying.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was identified by his hotel wristband and also by the tattooed names of his wife and children on his back.
They were staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf which describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children.
In a tribute to the dead man, St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club where Michael was a child head coach, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden shock passing of our dearest club member and head child coach, Michael Grant.
“As many of you know, Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss.
“Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s.
“More recently His dedication, passion, and love for the kids were evident in everything he did. He cherished every one of them, and I’m sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, their children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia , his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.
“We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing. Michael was a significant part of their lives, and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.”
