Police are searching for a motorcyclist riding a high-powered scooter following a firecracker attack on the home of artist George Gavriel in Kokkinotrimithia.
In recent days, Gavriel became a target due to his artwork exhibited at a gallery in Paphos. He stated that he had received numerous threats after photos of his work were made public.
The Police are continuing their investigation to locate the single perpetrator of the attack. Video footage provided by the artist himself shows a motorcyclist arriving just after nightfall outside his house, stopping with the engine and lights running. The rider then ignites two paper Easter firecrackers and throws them toward the residence before speeding away. The entire incident lasted approximately 10 seconds.
Initially, reports referred to two people on the scooter, but examination of the video suggests the perpetrator acted alone.
The attack is being investigated by Nicosia CID interrogators, who have a statement from the artist regarding what he heard and perceived. Mr Gavriel has stated that he received threats against his life, not just online.
At the time of the explosion, Mr Gavriel was inside his home with his wife and children, causing them momentary panic. Fortunately, no one was injured in the explosion. Following the attack and the threats received, the Police have taken protective measures for Mr Gavriel to prevent new attacks.
According to the Police, the perpetrator used two factory-made paper firecrackers containing a low-power pyrotechnic composition. It is believed the attacker did not intend to cause injuries or damage, but rather intended to intimidate the painter over his works. This is supported by the materials used, as these types of firecrackers are commonly used by young people at football matches or during Easter. Due to the low-grade nature of the explosive, the blast did not even create a small crater.
Investigators are now tracing the potential route of the motorcycle and searching for CCTV footage from other security cameras to see if the scooter, its license plate numbers, or anything else leading to the perpetrator’s identification was recorded.
It is noted that pyrotechnicians collected certain evidence from the scene for examination to determine who imports these specific firecrackers, although thousands of similar ones circulate among young people.