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Tag: Ypsonas

  • 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?”

  • Ypsonas Factory Fire Leads to Permanent Closure Due to Licensing Issues

    Ypsonas Factory Fire Leads to Permanent Closure Due to Licensing Issues

    ypsonas factory — The Ypsonas factory, which was engulfed in flames earlier this week, will not reopen due to a lack of proper operational licences, according to Curium mayor Pantelis Georgiou. The facility, initially licensed as a stationery and aluminium warehouse, harboured undisclosed gas cylinders that contributed to the devastating fire.

    In a statement made on Friday, Georgiou revealed that the presence of these gas cylinders was unknown to local authorities, raising serious safety questions about the factory’s operations. “Those who violate the law will be brought to justice,” he asserted, emphasising the commitment to hold accountable those responsible for the oversight.

    The fire not only destroyed the factory but also inflicted damage on nearby residential properties. Georgiou stated that assessments of the damage caused by the fire and resulting explosions would be conducted. He also announced plans for thorough inspections of similar facilities located close to residential areas, aiming to prevent future incidents.

    In connection with the fire, a 43-year-old former employee of the factory was arrested on Wednesday. Reports indicate that he had made threats against the factory’s owner prior to the incident. He was subsequently remanded in police custody for seven days as investigations continue.

  • Arson Suspect Remanded After Factory Blaze Linked to Employment Dispute

    Arson Suspect Remanded After Factory Blaze Linked to Employment Dispute

    A 43-year-old man suspected of arson at a factory in Ypsonas has been remanded in custody for seven days as investigators delve into charges of arson and malicious damage. The fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

    According to evidence presented by Limassol CID investigators to the District Court, the suspect had a brief history with the factory, having worked as a distributor for approximately one year before resigning in June 2025 without offering an explanation. Shortly after his resignation, he sought reinstatement, but the 75-year-old factory owner turned him down, having already found a replacement.

    This rejection reportedly left the suspect in an “agitated state.” Court testimony highlighted a confrontation between the two men at a café in Ypsonas two weeks after the suspect’s departure. Witnesses described the suspect as being in an “uncontrolled state,” where he shouted threats and threw a beer bottle at the factory owner, although bystanders intervened to prevent any injuries. Following this incident, the factory owner lodged a police report at Polemidia Station.

    In light of the suspect’s behaviour, he received official warnings from the police. A month before the fire, the factory owner noticed the oil cap had been removed from his vehicle parked near the factory. CCTV footage captured the suspect near the vehicle the day before the incident, raising suspicions of potential malicious damage.

    During written questioning, the suspect claimed he left the café between 00:30 and 01:00 on August 20 and went home, only to awaken later due to the noise of explosions and fire services responding to the blaze. He alleged he saw the factory fire from his balcony. However, investigators have gathered written testimony that contradicts his timeline. Evidence indicates he actually left at approximately 01:45, with the fire beginning just 15 minutes later.

    Following the fire, which caused damage to four neighbouring properties, police conducted searches of the suspect’s home and vehicle, seizing various items for scientific examination. Initially, no incriminating evidence was found. The suspect acknowledged the café incident, attributing his actions to alcohol consumption while asserting he was owed additional payment for services rendered to the factory owner.

    He stated that the complainant later paid him 300 euros through an intermediary. Concerning the vehicle incident, he admitted to parking on the complainant’s premises to start a vehicle and prevent battery drainage but denied any involvement in causing damage.

    As the investigation unfolds, police have collected six witness statements and carried out two searches to date. Authorities plan to re-examine the suspect and verify his claims, while also collecting additional evidence related to the fire. CCTV footage from the area is being secured, including recordings from the complainant’s security system.

  • Ypsonas Residents Experience Night of Terror Amid Factory Fire

    A paper factory fire in Ypsonas triggered multiple explosions and threatened nearby residential properties during the early hours of Wednesday morning, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

    • A paper factory fire in Ypsonas triggered multiple explosions and threatened nearby residential properties during the early hours of Wednesday morning, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

    The blaze erupted shortly after 2am at the industrial facility, producing continuous explosions that woke the entire neighbourhood and prompted residents to flee onto the streets. Flames approached residential buildings, creating an immediate danger of spread to homes.

    Resident Anna Maria Koulounti described the chaos, saying, “We woke up around two from the sounds of explosions. The whole neighbourhood came out terrified. Many people ran to help because the fire was approaching our houses. It was like living through a war.”

    The explosions projected gas canisters that struck houses, breaking windows and scattering debris. “The house filled with gas canisters, the glass broke… It was very frightening, especially with babies inside,” Koulounti stated, capturing the fear that gripped the community.

    Fire service personnel responded swiftly to the incident, aided by local residents who acted to prevent the fire’s spread to residential areas. “If the fire service hadn’t come quickly, I don’t know what would have happened,” Koulounti added, highlighting the critical role of emergency responders and community solidarity during the crisis.