Police arrested a 35-year-old man shortly before midnight on Wednesday in connection with the serious attack on food delivery couriers in Mouttalos, Paphos, on Tuesday night.
According to police, the man is expected to appear before the Paphos District Court, where authorities will seek a detention order. Meanwhile, the Paphos Criminal Investigation Department (CID) continues its investigation and is searching for other people allegedly involved in the attack.
Attack began during food delivery
The incident took place at around 8.40 pm on Tuesday, when a 26-year-old delivery courier went to an area of Mouttalos to deliver a food order.
According to the information under investigation, an unidentified man, who was allegedly accompanied by three other people, refused to pay for the order before attacking the courier and throwing a stone at him.
The 26-year-old then informed colleagues, who rushed to the area. Shortly afterwards, around 10 unidentified men reportedly gathered at the scene. Some were allegedly carrying metal objects.
Couriers attacked and motorcycles damaged
The group allegedly attacked the delivery couriers and damaged their motorcycles, knocking several of the bikes to the ground.
The situation then escalated when four of the unidentified men reportedly got into a vehicle and headed towards Mouttalos.
They allegedly found a 22-year-old courier who had just completed a delivery. Three of the men reportedly got out of the vehicle and attacked him.
Police said the attackers then took money and the courier’s mobile phone before leaving the scene and fleeing in an unknown direction.
Five couriers injured
Five delivery couriers were injured during the incidents.
All five were taken by ambulance to Paphos General Hospital, where they were examined by the doctor on duty. They were found to have suffered various injuries.
Four of the injured couriers were discharged from hospital, while one remained for further treatment.
Police investigating multiple offences
Police are investigating several offences in connection with the case, including robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm, affray, unlawful possession and carrying of an offensive weapon, common assault and malicious damage.
The arrest of the 35-year-old is considered a significant development in the investigation. However, police continue efforts to identify the other people allegedly involved and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Also read: Five delivery riders hospitalised after being attacked in Paphos
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