Kindergarten in Larnaca shut down after complaint of child abuse

Cyprus police have suspended the operation of a private kindergarten in the Larnaca district following a serious complaint of possible abuse of an infant and discovered violations in the facility's operation.

The incident occurred on July 11, when the mother of an 8-month-old girl went to the Oroklini police station. According to her, when she picked up her child from the kindergarten, she noticed scratches on the girl’s face and bite-like marks on her back. The woman immediately suspected abuse and demanded police intervention. However, she has not yet consented to a forensic medical examination that could confirm or refute her suspicions.

Following the complaint, police notified the relevant state services, which conducted an inspection of the facility. It was discovered that the kindergarten was operating without the required licenses and permits. The documents were handed to the owner, and the kindergarten’s operation was immediately suspended.

The investigation is ongoing. Police are trying to determine whether the injuries were caused by staff abuse or if another child may have bitten the girl. Final conclusions will be made after the investigation and if permission for medical examination is granted.