**LIMASSOL, CYPRUS** – A seemingly innocuous evening in the heart of Limassol took a violent turn on Saturday night when a verbal altercation spiralled into a physical assault, leaving a 37-year-old Syrian national with a serious stab wound. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. in a bustling café situated between Athinon and Anexartisias Streets, has prompted a swift and intensive investigation by the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to preliminary reports, the victim was engaged in a heated argument with three unidentified men. The disagreement, the precise nature of which remains unclear, rapidly deteriorated from exchanges of words to a physical confrontation. During the ensuing scuffle, one of the assailants allegedly produced a bladed weapon and inflicted a stab injury upon the victim, striking him in the shoulder blade region. Following the attack, the perpetrators made a hasty escape from the premises, leaving the injured man to receive immediate medical attention.
The victim was subsequently transported to a private clinic where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. While authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of his condition, sources indicate that the wound is significant, necessitating prompt medical intervention. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the immediate response of law enforcement, who swiftly cordoned off the café and the surrounding area on Anexartisias Street, a thoroughfare known for its vibrant commercial activity and pedestrian traffic. This precautionary measure was enacted to preserve any potential forensic evidence and to facilitate a thorough examination of the crime scene.
The Limassol CID has launched a comprehensive manhunt for the three male suspects, who were described only as unidentified at this stage. Officers are diligently pursuing all available leads, reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, and interviewing potential witnesses who may have observed the altercation or the subsequent flight of the assailants. The motive behind the initial dispute has yet to be definitively established, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry. Detectives are working assiduously to piece together the events that precipitated this violent outcome, aiming to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for disputes to escalate unpredictably, even in public spaces. The closure of a popular café and the visible police presence in a well-frequented part of Limassol have undoubtedly caused concern among residents and visitors alike. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in their investigation, urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge of the suspects' whereabouts to come forward without delay. The focus now remains squarely on apprehending the individuals involved and ensuring that such acts of violence are met with decisive action by the judicial system. The community awaits further developments as the investigation continues its critical phase.