Cyprus is grappling with a surge in criminal activity, as law enforcement agencies report significant arrests and ongoing investigations into a series of destructive fires across the island. In a dramatic development on Saturday, two brothers were apprehended by British Dhekelia base police on suspicion of attempted murder, their capture involving a tense pursuit and warning shots as they attempted to flee the island by sea. This high-profile arrest coincides with separate investigations into multiple vehicle fires and structural damage by blaze, underscoring a concerning trend of lawlessness.
The attempted murder incident, which occurred on December 20, saw a 36-year-old Syrian national become the target of an attack. Details surrounding the specifics of the assault remain under investigation, but the subsequent arrest of the two brothers, who were reportedly attempting an illicit departure from Cyprus, suggests a direct link to the violent crime. British base authorities, acting swiftly, intercepted the fleeing suspects, necessitating the use of warning shots to secure their apprehension before they could evade justice. The individuals are expected to be transferred to the custody of the Cyprus police for further questioning and subsequent judicial proceedings.
In parallel, the island's fire services have been kept busy responding to a spate of blazes, some of which are being treated as deliberate acts of arson. On Saturday, around 4:15 AM, an industrial zone near Paphos became the scene of a significant fire. Preliminary investigations, as indicated by Paphos police assistant operations director Michalis Nikolaou, suggest that flammable materials were employed in the ignition of a lorry. The inferno rapidly escalated, engulfing a trailer and a car parked nearby, resulting in their complete destruction. The intensity of the blaze underscores the potential danger posed by such calculated acts of destruction.
Earlier on Friday, at approximately 10:30 AM, a Larnaca village experienced its own fiery incident. The outhouse of a property in Avdellero, situated adjacent to the Ayia Marina church, was engulfed in flames. Fire brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis confirmed that the structure sustained "extensive damage," with the cause of the fire yet to be definitively ascertained. The incident, while not immediately linked to the Paphos arson, adds to the pattern of unexplained fires plaguing the island.
The southern coastal city of Limassol has also reported multiple fire incidents in recent days. On a recent evening, just minutes before 9:00 PM, a car fire erupted in the Omonia area, outside a car parts shop. Firefighters from the Limassol Fire Service, utilising two fire trucks, managed to extinguish the blaze, which appears to have originated from a short circuit. However, the vehicle’s engine compartment sustained considerable damage. Later that same night, at 11:53 PM, another fire broke out, this time involving a moped in the Anexartissias street area. This vehicle also suffered extensive fire damage, though the specific cause of ignition has not been disclosed. The series of fires in Limassol, occurring in different locations and with varying preliminary causes, are being closely monitored by authorities to ascertain any potential connections.
The combined impact of these incidents raises concerns about public safety and the operational capacity of law enforcement and emergency services. As investigations into the attempted murder and the various fires continue, Cypriot authorities are working to piece together the full picture of these criminal activities and bring those responsible to justice. The successful apprehension of the brothers and the ongoing arson probes highlight the diligent efforts of the police and fire services in maintaining order and security across the Republic.