Police in Famagusta are investigating an attempted murder targeting a 34-year-old nightclub owner in Protaras, with two suspects still at large after opening fire on his vehicle.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the suspects’ movements, while police said the nature of the attack suggests the gunmen were trying to kill the victim rather than intimidate him. The method used does not point to a contract killing, and authorities are examining whether the case is linked to organised crime activity.
The motive remains unclear, though police are examining the victim’s business activities, as he is a person who has previously come to the attention of authorities. The 34-year-old was not injured, and a written statement is expected to be taken from him.
Police are also waiting for British Bases authorities to hand over a vehicle believed to have been set on fire by the suspects in Xylofagou before they fled. Bases police found a burned pistol and a magazine inside the vehicle, which will be sent for forensic testing. Officers recovered 9mm shell casings from the scene of the shooting in the Pernera area.
The attack took place around 10 minutes after midnight on Protaras–Cape Greco Avenue near the Pernera traffic lights. The victim had just left his nightclub and was driving a right-hand drive Hummer-type vehicle towards Cape Greco when one of the suspects, who had been hiding in a field, opened fire as the vehicle approached the lights.
At least four bullets struck the vehicle, which came to a stop a short distance later due to damage. The victim told police he realised he was being followed, got out of the car, ran and took refuge at his nightclub, located about 200 metres away. The suspects then got into a car and left the scene.
About 30 minutes later, British Bases police in Dhekelia received information about a burning vehicle in a field in Xylofagou. The car was found near the Ayia Napa–Rizoelia motorway, close to the exit towards Larnaca. The fire was extinguished, but the saloon vehicle was destroyed and was later found to have been recently stolen from Nicosia.
Members of the police forensic unit and Famagusta CID carried out extensive examinations at the scene in Protaras, collecting shell casings and other evidence, which has been sent for scientific analysis.