Man arrested after attack on basketball player

A man has been arrested on attempted murder charges following a vicious attack outside a night club in Nicosia, with reports saying AEL basketball player Corey Manigault has been hospitalized in critical condition.

(Click here for an update to the story)

Police said a 46-year-old male suspect has been detained in connection with an altercation outside a Nicosia night club Sunday morning.

Local media said AEL forward Corey Manigault along with two others, one female and one male later identified as his girlfriend and teammate Brandon Averette, were injured Sunday early morning during an attack by unknown individuals outside a nightclub.

Manigault was said to be in critical condition after sustaining a serious head injury and bleeding, while his girlfriend and his teammate were also said to have been injured in the incident after suffering cuts and bruises.

The incident, which took place outside a business establishment in the capital, was already under investigation according to police, while footage from security cameras was being sought to help identify the perpetrators.

No motive was immediately known after the arrest but police said the suspect was expected to appear before a judge for a remand hearing.

Police told Knews Monday morning that the initial report listed the most serious charges against the detained suspect, such as attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and aggravated assault, while it was not immediately clear whether additional charges or suspects had been identified in the case.

According to the initial police report, officers rushed to Nicosia General Hospital where they “located two persons in a state of drunkenness with visible external wounds.”

A statement from AEL said the team was shocked over the incident.

Manigault was said to be in critical condition while an update later clarified he was not out of immediate danger.