MVP

Tag: vandalism

  • 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.

  • Ypsonas School Security Guard Injured in Youths’ Flare Attack

    Ypsonas School Security Guard Injured in Youths’ Flare Attack

    A private security guard at Ypsonas Third Primary School was attacked with lit flares by a group of youths on Monday evening, sustaining facial burns that required hospital treatment.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • A private security guard at Ypsonas Third Primary School was attacked with lit flares by a group of youths on Monday evening, sustaining facial burns that required hospital treatment.
    • The injured guard was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received treatment for second-degree burns.

    The incident unfolded around 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. when the group entered the school grounds, specifically targeting the mini football pitch. As the guard attempted to remove the youths from the premises, they chased him and threw the flares at his face, resulting in severe burns.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    In a statement to philenews, school supervisor Christina Tryfonos described the events, stating, “The youths entered the school premises and specifically the mini football pitch that is located within the school grounds. The private guard tried to remove them, with the youths chasing him. Subsequently, the perpetrators threw lit flares at his face, causing him burns.”

    The injured guard was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received treatment for second-degree burns.

    Herodotus Neophytou, President of the West Limassol School Board, condemned the attack, labelling it as attempted murder. He expressed his outrage at the rising trend of vandalism in schools, stating, “Last night’s incident is attempted murder. We are not simply talking about an incident, the man suffered second-degree burns to his face. They tried to kill him.”

    Neophytou also highlighted a recent incident of vandalism at the nearby Ypsonas Gymnasium, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour among local youths. He urged the police to take responsibility, asserting, “There is sufficient evidence to locate the perpetrators. Parents of the offenders bear responsibility, as does the police. What are they waiting for? To mourn victims?”