Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 24-year-old Greek Cypriot suspect after a 23-year-old was stabbed in the abdomen outside a premises in Kato Polemidia at midday on Tuesday.
The victim was rushed to Limassol Hospital in a serious condition. He was intubated and taken into surgery on arrival, and his condition is now reported as out of danger.
The stabbing followed an argument between the victim and another person that escalated into a violent altercation, according to investigators. The suspect fled the scene on foot.
Investigators are examining information linking the incident to drug transactions, though the precise motive has not yet been established.
A café worker, who together with a patron found the injured man, told Phileleftheros she had initially noticed two people arguing loudly and pushing each other. Shortly afterwards she saw the suspect run away. When she approached, she found the 23-year-old on the ground, calling for help and clutching his abdomen as he bled.
Limassol CID and police officers cordoned off the scene for examination. Investigators found blood stains at several points, collected evidence and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby premises.
Regulars in the area told Phileleftheros that young people from the Polemidia area frequent the spot and that incidents and altercations occur there periodically.
“Blood stains have been found at various points, the scene has been cordoned off and examinations are under way to gather witness testimony about the incident,” Assistant Police Director Lefteris Kyriakou said. He added that investigators are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or can provide information about those involved.