Vandalism in eight shops in Paphos following end of police patrol
Groups of youths attacked shops in Paphos, Chloraka and Tala on Friday night, immediately after police withdrew from Mouttalló.
Vandalism in Paphos following withdrawal of police patrol
At least eight shops in Paphos district sustained damage on Friday night, according to a police announcement on Saturday. As reported by the Cyprus Mail, the attacks occurred hours after the night patrol in the Mouttalló neighbourhood in central Paphos was concluded.
Police had deployed forces to Mouttalló following recent attacks on food delivery personnel in the area and "residents' complaints about the behaviour of groups of youths". However, as soon as the officers withdrew, "youths allegedly launched attacks on shops", causing damage to businesses in Paphos, Chloraka and Tala.
"The damage caused to the premises is being recorded and assessed by the relevant authorities, whilst police investigations are being conducted to identify those involved," the police said in a written statement.
The Cyprus News Agency reported that "the chronological sequence of events, with the police operation preceding and the vandalism following, is at the centre of the investigations". Residents of the area, according to the same agency, are calling for more effective policing, expressing concerns that the situation may escalate.
Source: Cyprus Mail