Larnaca’s usually tranquil town centre was plunged into chaos on Saturday afternoon when a violent confrontation, involving multiple individuals and culminating in the discharge of firearms, erupted on Grigori Afxentiou Street. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 pm and was remarkably close to Larnaca Police Headquarters, sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift police lockdown and an intensive manhunt for those involved.
The altercation, reportedly initiated by a brawl between several groups, escalated dramatically as weapons such as crowbars and axes were brandished. Witnesses described a scene of pandemonium as the fight intensified, with sporadic gunshots piercing the air. The violence left a trail of destruction, including damage to parked vehicles, and instilled palpable fear in passers-by caught in the crossfire. The proximity of the incident to a prominent hotel and various retail establishments amplified the public's alarm.
In the immediate aftermath, police cordoned off the affected area, a section of the city's busiest thoroughfare, approximately 100 meters from the police headquarters. Investigators meticulously combed the scene, discovering definitive traces of blood, which corroborated reports of injuries. According to Larnaca police spokesperson Spyros Chrysostomou, "there were traces of blood at the scene, while the injured individuals had reportedly been taken to a clinic for medical treatment." This statement underscored the urgency of the ongoing search for those who sustained injuries during the violent episode.
The police response was immediate, with patrols dispatched to the scene. However, initial reports indicate that the perpetrators had dispersed before law enforcement could apprehend anyone directly involved. The focus has since shifted to a comprehensive investigation, employing all available resources to identify and locate the individuals responsible. Investigators are diligently reviewing extensive video footage captured from various vantage points, meticulously analysing frame by frame in an effort to reconstruct the events and pinpoint the identities of the combatants.
Preliminary indications suggest that the individuals implicated in this brazen act may possess serious criminal histories, adding a layer of concern to the already volatile situation. The exact genesis of the dispute remains under active investigation, but the sequence of events clearly points to a premeditated escalation from a physical altercation to the use of lethal force. The incident not only disrupted the usual Saturday afternoon rhythm of the town but also caused significant traffic congestion as police implemented road closures to facilitate their investigation.
The manhunt is currently extending to local hospitals and clinics, as authorities seek to identify and apprehend any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or other injuries sustained during the clash. The expectation is that arrest warrants will be issued imminently as the investigation progresses and more concrete evidence emerges. This violent episode serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public order, particularly when confronted with organised or escalating criminal activity in urban centres. The Larnaca community awaits further developments as the police endeavour to restore a sense of security and bring those responsible to justice.