Matthew Tvrdon in court accused of murdering Cardiff pedestrian

A VAN driver has appeared in court accused of murdering a mother-of-three and attempting to murder 13 other pedestrians, including seven children, in a hit-and-run rampage.

Matthew Tvrdon, 31, was led into Cardiff Magistrates' Court with his hands cuffed behind his back.

He is accused of deliberately driving into parents and young children during 30 minutes of mayhem spread over three miles in Cardiff's Ely and Leckwith districts on Friday afternoon.

Karina Menzies, 31, was killed outside Ely Fire Station by a white Iveco van. She was one of 14 pedestrians, half of them children, hit by the van, which allegedly mounted kerbs deliberately.

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Tvrdon looked relaxed as he was released from his handcuffs and brought into the courtroom. Unshaven and wearing a black jumper, he was asked to confirm that he was of no fixed address.

Tvrdon spoke with a soft Cardiff accent as he confirmed his date of birth as November 13 1980.

He is charged with murder, 13 counts of attempted murder, four counts of actual bodily harm and one of dangerous driving.

District Judge Bodfan Jenkins remanded Tvrdon in custody. He was due to appear at Newport Crown Court at 10am today via video link.

Tvrdon left court with his head bowed but appeared relaxed over his appearance at the brief hearing.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley said South Wales Police had been overwhelmed by support 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," he said.

"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."

He said his thoughts remained with Ms Menzies' family, who have been updated with developments and are continuing to receive support.

Eight people injured in the incident remain in hospital — four adults and four children.