gang warfare — Gang warfare erupted on Larnaca’s busiest street yesterday afternoon, turning Grigori Afxentiou Avenue into a chaotic scene mere metres from the local police headquarters. At approximately 3:30 pm, a violent confrontation involving axes, wooden clubs, and iron bars unfolded, shocking bystanders and diners in the vicinity.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as over ten individuals engaged in a fierce brawl, which escalated to the point of live gunfire. Amidst the panic, one man sustained serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The police responded swiftly, executing four arrest warrants later that night.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Among those arrested was a 48-year-old Cypriot national apprehended at the hospital, while authorities are actively searching for three foreign nationals aged 35, 26, and 20. The suspects face a range of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, attempted extortion, and possession of firearms and explosives.
The violent clash is believed to have stemmed from a dispute over a protection racket, with one group reportedly storming a local business. This provocation incited a second group to retaliate aggressively, leading to a chaotic pursuit through the street. Evidence of the brawl was strewn across the area, with discarded weapons found outside fast-food outlets and retail shops.
Police investigations revealed that a key suspect involved in the violence has a notorious criminal history and had recently been released on bail for another case. This revelation highlights ongoing concerns about the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing organised crime in the region.
Justice Minister Costas Fytiris visited Larnaca later that evening, voicing his concerns over the apparent rise in crime. He acknowledged that criminal organisations seem to be growing bolder and emphasised the need for legislative measures to empower the police in their efforts to combat these competing factions. “We currently lack the necessary tools to stay ahead of them,” Fytiris stated, urging Parliament to take swift action.
In response to the escalating violence, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras expressed his outrage, insisting that such incidents are unacceptable in a modern city. Heavy police reinforcements were deployed to Larnaca to restore order, with officers closing off the avenue and surrounding streets for over two hours to gather evidence. During this operation, they seized one vehicle and searched for another car that had been damaged during the altercation.
The atmosphere in Larnaca remains tense as residents grapple with the implications of such brazen violence occurring in broad daylight. Local authorities are under pressure to address the underlying issues contributing to this surge in gang-related activity.
