Seven people have been arrested in connection with an assault in Nicosia after a 16-year-old reported being attacked and beaten by a group of youths on Friday night.
The suspects, aged 14 to 21, were arrested on Tuesday afternoon under court warrants and are being held for police investigations, according to Phileleftheros.
Suspects aged 14 to 21
The suspects are a 21-year-old, a 17-year-old, a 16-year-old, three 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old. They are mainly suspected of assault and causing bodily harm.
They are expected to appear before Nicosia District Court on Wednesday, when police are due to seek a detention order.
Video and witness statement lead to arrests
The arrests followed a statement given by the victim on Monday, in which he named some of the alleged attackers. Others were identified through a video of the incident that circulated publicly and additional footage collected by Criminal Investigation Department officers from nearby premises.
Police said the arrests of the minors were carried out in accordance with legal procedures, in the presence of their guardians and/or lawyers.
The suspects are expected to be called individually to give statements in response to the allegations.
Police seek person who filmed attack
Investigators are also looking for the person who recorded the assault so they can take a statement. Further arrests have not been ruled out if additional evidence or witness accounts emerge.
The incident appears to be linked to personal disputes, although this remains under investigation. The suspects will have the opportunity to provide their own explanations if they wish.
Medical examinations found that the 16-year-old had suffered a nasal bone fracture, as well as facial swelling and bruising.
The case is being investigated by Nicosia CID.
Also read: Missing body found at Nicosia morgue under wrong name
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