Cyprus, Nicosia

In Nicosia, a serial arsonist has been re-arrested

25.04.2024 / 13:48

Police have arrested a suspect in a series of arson attacks on cars at auto repair shops, as well as two establishments, a café, and a restaurant in Nicosia. At the time of the arrest, the 44-year-old man was already in custody on charges related to similar crimes.

According to the police press office, the suspect was re-arrested based on a court order after evidence was obtained linking him to five additional cases of arson.

Specifically, these include the burning of a car belonging to a 43-year-old man on November 5, 2023, in Nicosia. The fire also caused damage to two other cars parked nearby. The detained individual is also suspected in a series of vehicle arsons on November 20, 2023, in Aglandjia, November 26, 2023, in Strovolos, January 10 in Engomi, and March 24 in Paleometocho.

It is known that initially, the 44-year-old man was arrested on April 16 based on a court order issued on evidence collected in a case of car arson committed early on the same day.

Recall that at that time, 12 cars were completely destroyed by fire, and 5 more were damaged.

Police believe that the fire started in a car parked near an auto repair shop and spread to the other 16 cars parked nearby.

Later that same day, the 44-year-old suspect was arrested again on suspicion of two more arsons, committed on February 10 in a café in the industrial zone of Aglandjia and in a restaurant on April 13 in Tseri.

The day after the arrest, the suspect appeared before the Nicosia District Court, which remanded him in custody for eight days. Following his re-arrest, there will be another remand to allow the police to conduct further investigation.