Newsroom
A Paphos butcher has been targeted for the second time in less than three months, with a homemade bomb exploding in his parked vehicle early Wednesday.
The blast happened at around 3:15 a.m. on Santorini Street, where the 56-year-old’s vehicle was parked.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the car and also damaged a second vehicle parked nearby. No injuries were reported.
Police officers sealed off the area and examined the scene for evidence. Initial findings showed that a low-powered improvised explosive device had been used.
Investigators are now trying to determine who planted the bomb and why the 56-year-old has been targeted again.
The latest attack comes after a similar incident on May 28, when unknown individuals placed an explosive device outside the butcher shop operated by the same man.
That explosion caused extensive damage to the front of the business.
The fact that both attacks involved homemade bombs and targeted the same person has led police to examine whether they are connected. Investigators are expected to review security camera footage from the area, speak to possible witnesses, and examine evidence collected from the damaged vehicle.
They will also look into the 56-year-old’s personal and professional background in an effort to identify a possible motive.
For people living nearby, the explosion was another alarming reminder that these attacks do not only affect the intended target. This time, another person’s car was damaged simply because it happened to be parked close by. A stronger device or someone passing at the wrong moment could have led to a far more serious outcome.
The Paphos Police Department is continuing its investigation. No arrests have been announced, and police have not yet publicly identified a motive for either attack.
