Tag: community safety

  • Paphos fires — Paphos fires: Firefighters Control Two Blazes Near Paphos Villages

    Paphos fires — Paphos fires: Firefighters Control Two Blazes Near Paphos Villages

    paphos fires — Firefighters have successfully tamed two blazes near Paphos villages, marking a swift response to the fires that erupted on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at 10:20 am.

    • paphos fires — Firefighters have successfully tamed two blazes near Paphos villages, marking a swift response to the fires that erupted on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at 10:20 am.
    • The fires broke out close to the communities of Agia Varvara and Anarita. Within just over an hour, by 11:30 am, firefighting teams had achieved full control of both incidents.
    • Near Agia Varvara, the fire consumed approximately one hectare of stubble, while the fire near Anarita was more extensive, destroying ten decares of bushes and low wild vegetation.

    The fires broke out close to the communities of Agia Varvara and Anarita. Within just over an hour, by 11:30 am, firefighting teams had achieved full control of both incidents.

    Near Agia Varvara, the fire consumed approximately one hectare of stubble, while the fire near Anarita was more extensive, destroying ten decares of bushes and low wild vegetation.

    A coordinated effort involved four personnel from the Forestry Department, equipped with one fire engine, alongside four Fire Service staff, who brought two fire engines to the scene. Additionally, two members from the Game and Fauna Service assisted with another fire engine, demonstrating a unified response from various agencies.

    Authorities are currently investigating the causes of these fires, aiming to determine how they ignited in the first place. Fire safety remains a priority for the region, especially with the dry conditions prevalent at this time of year.

  • Drowned: Drowning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Young Man in Ayia Napa

    Drowned: Drowning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Young Man in Ayia Napa

    A young man found dead in the sea off Ayia Napa has been confirmed to have drowned, according to a post-mortem examination. The examination, conducted on Saturday morning, established drowning as the cause of death for the 24-year-old foreign national.

    • Authorities reported that the man was a resident of Ayia Napa, a popular tourist destination in Cyprus. The findings from the statutory post-mortem revealed that he had drowned while in the water.
    • Authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain vigilant while engaging in water activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness.

    Authorities reported that the man was a resident of Ayia Napa, a popular tourist destination in Cyprus. The findings from the statutory post-mortem revealed that he had drowned while in the water.

    Police are now awaiting the results of laboratory tests to gather further information regarding the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise. The investigation is ongoing, as officials aim to piece together the events leading to his death.

    Eyewitnesses and locals have expressed their sorrow over the incident, highlighting the risks associated with swimming in unfamiliar waters. The coastal area near Ayia Napa is known for its beauty, but safety precautions are essential, especially for those not familiar with the local conditions.

    Authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain vigilant while engaging in water activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness.

  • Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    limassol car — limassol car — The police are currently searching for a man who set a car on fire parked outside a kiosk in Limassol. This alarming incident occurred shortly after midnight, with emergency services notified around 12.45am.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire was maliciously started using flammable material. At the time of the attack, the car’s owner was inside the kiosk, completely unaware of the unfolding drama outside.

    A passing motorist, equipped with a fire extinguisher, managed to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle has suffered extensive damage. The incident was captured on the kiosk’s CCTV cameras, and investigators are reviewing this footage as part of their inquiries.

    According to police sources, the motive behind this act of arson appears to stem from personal differences between the car’s owner and the suspected arsonist. However, authorities have stated that they are keeping an open mind and have not ruled out other possible motives.

  • Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    limassol fire — limassol fire — A fire erupted this morning in a riverbed close to the Agios Silas industrial area in Limassol, prompting a swift response from local firefighters to prevent potential damage to a nearby metal processing factory.

    • In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.
    • Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

    The blaze was reported early in the day, leading to the deployment of three fire engines from Limassol district stations. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames, successfully bringing the situation under control shortly before midday.

    Limassol fire: Efforts to Suppress the Blaze

    The fire affected approximately three decares of grass, wild vegetation, and acacia trees within the riverbed area. Fortunately, the quick action of the Fire Service ensured that the flames did not reach the adjacent factory, which could have resulted in significant damage.

    In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.

    Investigating Possible Malicious Activity

    As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, authorities began investigating the incident due to indications of potential malicious activity. The Fire Service has not dismissed the possibility that the fire may have been deliberately set. Police are collaborating with fire investigators to ascertain the cause.

    Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

  • Two Arrested After Viral Assault on Larnaca Minibus Driver

    larnaca minibus — Two suspects, aged 22 and 50, have been arrested in connection with an assault on a minibus driver in Larnaca, an incident that has since gone viral.

    • larnaca minibus — Two suspects, aged 22 and 50, have been arrested in connection with an assault on a minibus driver in Larnaca, an incident that has since gone viral.

    The shocking attack occurred last Saturday and was captured on video, quickly spreading across social media platforms. The footage depicts two individuals verbally assaulting the driver of a minibus before escalating to physical violence.

    In the video, the confrontation appears to be unprovoked as the assailants lash out at the driver of a following vehicle, a minibus. One of the attackers strikes the driver in the face, leading to a chaotic scene on the road.

    After being struck, the minibus driver exited his vehicle in an attempt to document the licence plates of the assailants’ vehicle. In a dangerous turn of events, as he positioned himself in front of their vehicle, one of the attackers accelerated, nearly running him over. Remarkably, the driver managed to evade serious injury.

    Local police confirmed the arrests were made to facilitate further investigations into this alarming incident. They have urged witnesses or anyone with additional footage to come forward as they work to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the assault.

    This incident highlights growing concerns over safety on the roads and the potential for road rage to escalate into violence. Authorities are calling for increased awareness and caution among drivers to prevent such occurrences in the future.

  • Larnaca assault: Teenager Held After Alleged Assault in Larnaca

    Larnaca assault: Teenager Held After Alleged Assault in Larnaca

    larnaca assault — A 16-year-old boy was remanded in police custody for four days following an alleged assault in Larnaca.

    • larnaca assault — A 16-year-old boy was remanded in police custody for four days following an alleged assault in Larnaca.

    The Larnaca district court issued the order on Saturday to facilitate the ongoing police investigation into the incident. Authorities were alerted on Friday evening around 9pm to reports of an injured individual at a residential building in the area.

    Upon arrival, police found a 41-year-old man with a head injury. The victim informed officers that he had been attacked by a group of individuals. He was subsequently taken to Larnaca General Hospital, where he received first aid before being discharged.

    Investigators gathered evidence linking the teenager to the assault, leading to his arrest under a court warrant. The boy appeared before the district court, which approved his detention to assist in the inquiries.

  • Limassol pharmacy — 57-Year-Old Man Arrested Following Limassol Pharmacy Shooting

    Limassol pharmacy — 57-Year-Old Man Arrested Following Limassol Pharmacy Shooting

    limassol pharmacy — limassol pharmacy — A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident at a pharmacy in Yermasoyia, a suburb of Limassol. The arrest took place on Sunday, just two days after the unsettling event occurred on Friday.

    • The arrested individual is expected to appear in court soon, with the authorities continuing to assess the situation and the potential implications for the local community.

    The pharmacy’s owner discovered evidence of a shooting upon arriving at the premises. According to reports, three shots had been fired at the glass display case of the pharmacy prior to his arrival. The owner immediately contacted the police to report the incident.

    Law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The police have stated that their inquiries are ongoing, as they work to gather further details about the motive behind the shooting.

    The arrested individual is expected to appear in court soon, with the authorities continuing to assess the situation and the potential implications for the local community.

  • Cannabis — 34-Year-Old Arrested with Over 24kg of Cannabis at Larnaca Airport

    Cannabis — 34-Year-Old Arrested with Over 24kg of Cannabis at Larnaca Airport

    A 34-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca airport on Wednesday after authorities discovered over 24kg of cannabis in his suitcase.

    • A 34-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca airport on Wednesday after authorities discovered over 24kg of cannabis in his suitcase.
    • Upon his arrival, police and customs officers conducted a thorough search of his luggage. During the search, they uncovered 44 packages containing cannabis, which collectively weighed 24.568kg.

    Upon his arrival, police and customs officers conducted a thorough search of his luggage. During the search, they uncovered 44 packages containing cannabis, which collectively weighed 24.568kg.

    The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody immediately following the discovery. He is scheduled to appear before the Larnaca district court on the same day for a remand order.

    This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking at the airport. Authorities have been vigilant in their inspections, aiming to intercept illegal substances before they can enter the local market.

  • Larnaca fires: Larnaca Experiences Twin House Fires Resulting in Significant Damage

    Larnaca fires: Larnaca Experiences Twin House Fires Resulting in Significant Damage

    larnaca fires — larnaca fires — Two house fires in Larnaca on Monday night caused extensive damage, as confirmed by the fire brigade on Tuesday. The first fire ignited at 11.16pm in a two-storey home located in the Vergina area, where flames erupted in the kitchen.

    The blaze consumed wooden counters and their contents, while smoke and heat resulted in minor damage to the interior paint and electrical system. Fortunately, no one was present in the house at the time of the fire.

    Investigators later revealed that the fire was caused by a candle left burning in a lamp on the kitchen counter. This incident highlights the potential dangers of unattended candles, particularly in residential settings.

    Shortly before the first fire, at 8.27pm, another fire broke out on the ground floor of a different house in Larnaca. Details regarding the cause and extent of the damage from this second incident have not yet been specified, but it has also been reported to have caused significant destruction.

    Residents in the area are now left assessing the aftermath of these incidents, with fire officials urging the community to remain vigilant about fire safety, particularly during the winter months when the use of candles and heating appliances tends to increase.

  • Daily Attacks on School Guards in West Limassol Raise Concerns

    Daily Attacks on School Guards in West Limassol Raise Concerns

    school guards — School guards in west Limassol are facing daily attacks, according to a private security firm overseeing four local schools. The alarming trend was highlighted following an incident on Monday at Ypsonas Third Primary School, where a guard was attacked with explosives.

    • After extinguishing the fire, the guard attempted to call for assistance but was met with renewed aggression as he left the premises, resulting in facial injuries from flares and further attacks.
    • Photiou concluded that the situation has escalated to a point where it is beyond control, emphasising that immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore safety in the school environments.

    Christos Photiou, the head of the security company, described the situation as “uncontrolled.” He expressed his concerns to philenews, noting that even with police presence during certain incidents, there appears to be no significant outcome from their interventions.

    The guards are subjected to a variety of aggressive actions, including stone-throwing, attacks with flares, and even the use of crowbars. Monday’s incident resulted in serious injuries to a guard, who was caught in the crossfire of escalating violence.

    School guards: A Pattern of Violence

    Incidents of vandalism and attacks have been reported at four schools in the area: Ypsonas Third Primary School, Ypsonas Gymnasium, Kolossi Lyceum, and Episkopi Gymnasium. Photiou revealed that on the day of the attack, the guard was inside the school when unidentified individuals threw Molotov cocktails, targeting the artificial grass.

    After extinguishing the fire, the guard attempted to call for assistance but was met with renewed aggression as he left the premises, resulting in facial injuries from flares and further attacks.

    Perpetrators Identified

    Photiou stated that the attackers are typically minors aged 15-17, who navigate the area on unregistered motorcycles. Some of these vehicles are reportedly damaged and declared immobilised, further complicating efforts to track down the assailants. He expressed frustration over the lack of proactive measures from the police, stating, “Police are present, but we do not see them conducting checks.”

    Call for Action

    The security chief voiced his discontent with the authorities’ inaction regarding the ongoing violence. “There is damage and vandalism, but nothing happens. Police arrive, hold a paper and write. They do nothing. What are they waiting for, to come with guns?” he questioned, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

    Photiou concluded that the situation has escalated to a point where it is beyond control, emphasising that immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore safety in the school environments.