The Republic of Cyprus will cover the cost of transporting the bodies of the two Bulgarian children, aged 8 and 10, who were found dead in a car in Xylophagou on Sunday afternoon, government sources told philenews.
The children’s father, 30, is due to appear before the SBA Court, sitting at Dhekelia, on 2 July at 1200 hrs, the SBA Police said. His partner, 38, who owns the vehicle, was released unconditionally earlier today.
“The SBA Police remain committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation,” the force said, adding that it would provide further information when appropriate. The SBA Police said enquiries remain active and that they could not comment further on the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the cause of death, or provide information at this stage on the release of the children’s bodies or funeral arrangements. The force asked that the privacy of the family and all those affected be respected during what it called an extremely difficult time.
The Xylophagou Community Council had earlier intended to launch a fundraiser to help cover the cost of returning the children’s remains to Bulgaria, council president Giorgos Ioulianos had told philenews. “Many people have contacted us wanting to help,” he had said, noting the matter would be discussed at a Community Council meeting.
The children’s deaths, which have drawn international attention, continue to shock the country, with the SBA carrying out investigations to establish the full circumstances of the case. The two children had arrived in Cyprus in mid-May, accompanied by relatives, for a holiday with their father, who works on the island.
Philenews earlier revealed that a rear door of the vehicle had a fault that left it unlocked despite the car being locked. The two children are believed to have entered through that door, but became trapped inside after the vehicle’s child safety lock was activated.
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