Newsroom
Limassol CID officers are continuing investigations following a bomb explosion early Tuesday morning at a restaurant owned by a well-known businessman in the Limassol Castle and Old Port area, marking the third time his property has been targeted by criminal elements.
The explosion occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police, who cordoned off the scene and began on-site examinations. According to authorities, the blast caused significant damage to the entrance of the premises.
Initial findings from the police bomb disposal expert indicate that a low-power improvised explosive device had been placed at the entrance of the restaurant and subsequently detonated. Evidence collected from the scene is currently being analyzed, while CCTV footage has reportedly captured two individuals approaching the location and placing the device.
Assistant Police Director of Limassol, Lefteris Kyriakou, confirmed that this latest incident forms part of a pattern of criminal acts targeting the businessman. He stated that preventive measures are already being implemented both for the individual and his assets, including regular police patrols, and expressed optimism that ongoing investigations may lead to arrests.
The businessman is known to be a close associate of Stavros Demosthenous, whose murder case is set to begin before the Criminal Court on the same day as the attack. While authorities are examining all possible connections, no official link between the explosion and the murder case has been established at this stage.
Kyriakou noted that although no recent threats had been reported, the businessman had previously filed complaints regarding threats, which are now being reassessed as part of the investigation. He also recalled that arrests had been made in connection with earlier attacks on the same individual.
“All evidence and testimonies are being evaluated,” Kyriakou said, adding that police are pursuing every possible lead. He further emphasized that intensified police measures against organized crime appear to be having an effect, with a recent decline in similar incidents.
Investigations remain at an early stage as authorities continue to assess forensic evidence and surveillance material in an effort to identify those responsible.
