Man, 27, charged with setting multiple fires in Aradippou

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire that broke out yesterday in a rural area of Aradippou, which destroyed vegetation, a dismantled premises, and 60 large bales of hay.

A statement from the police communication branch said, "According to the data under investigation, around ten o'clock yesterday morning, a fire occurred in wild vegetation in a rural area of Aradippou. Members of the police rushed to the scene, where members of the Fire Service and the Forest Department were attempting to extinguish the fire."

The statement added, "From the tests carried out, the fire appears to have been set maliciously, as members of the Police, Fire Service, and Forest Department identified six separate fire outbreaks in an area of about three square kilometres."

"While conducting examinations in the area where one of the six outbreaks had been detected, police members located the 27-year-old, who they approached for inspection. The 27-year-old reacted, attacked a police officer, and fled, but was subsequently apprehended by police officers who had rushed to the area."

Questioned by the police, "the 27-year-old allegedly admitted to arson. A judicial arrest warrant was issued against him, under which he was arrested and taken into custody."

It is noted that in connection with the same case, a 25-year-old man was arrested yesterday, who "was found at the scene, and his presence in the area was deemed suspicious, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant and his subsequent arrest."

The two men are expected to be brought before Larnaca District Court today for detention orders.

The case is being investigated by Aradippou Police Station.

[Information sourced from 24 News]