Mystery serial haircutter busted

A wanted mystery man with an apparent hair fetish has been arrested in Protaras, after his behaviour aroused the suspicions of a concerned citizen who was registered with a local neighbourhood watch programme.

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Police said a 23-year-old male suspect was arrested on Saturday night, around 40 minutes past midnight, after a participant in a local neighbourhood watch programme notified authorities about a man who was moving about and acting suspiciously in the area.

The man was apprehended by local law enforcement officers, who conducted a body search and found a pair of long scissors. The blade was reportedly close to 12 inches long, and the suspect was detained on possession of a blunt instrument used to assault someone.

Investigators have reportedly linked the suspect to a series of incidents in Protaras over the last two years, where a mystery man with an apparent female hair fetish had been startling women in public by chopping off some of their hair or pony tails and running away.

During a home search, officers discovered bundles of hair and braids in various parts of the suspect’s house, along with a bicycle said to resemble the one allegedly used in the haircutting attacks.

The series of incidents was said to have taken place mainly along a coastal sidewalk in Protaras. Initial reports suggested the suspect was of Asian descent. Additional sources told Knews the detained suspect is from Egypt.

Police did not share any details about the suspect or whether they believe he was acting alone. An official report said the man in custody appeared to have admitted the crimes.

Last year, police said they did not have any indication that the suspect had intentions to rob, sexually assault or otherwise harm the women, besides chopping off their hair.