A 60-year-old Ukrainian businessman has been targeted in a second suspected criminal attack in Limassol within weeks, after a fire was deliberately started at his restaurant in the Old Port area early on Saturday, police said.
The attack follows a shooting on 16 September, when unidentified individuals fired shots at a building in Linopetra housing companies belonging to the same businessman.
The latest incident occurred at around 5.15 am at the restaurant near Limassol Marina. Police investigations indicate that the fire was started deliberately using a flammable substance.
The blaze damaged the restaurant’s glass shopfront.
Police examine CCTV footage
Limassol Assistant Police Director Lefteris Kyriakou said authorities received a report of the fire at approximately 5.15 am.
Firefighters and officers from Limassol Police Directorate responded to the scene, with police cordoning off the area.
The Fire Service extinguished the blaze, while initial examinations indicated that a flammable substance had been used to start it.
Investigators are continuing to examine the scene and gather evidence that could help identify those responsible.
Kyriakou confirmed that police had obtained CCTV footage from the area, which investigators are reviewing.
Businessman previously reported threats
Kyriakou also confirmed that the restaurant owner had previously been targeted in a criminal incident.
During the investigation into the September shooting, the businessman had claimed he was receiving threats linked to alleged disputes with specific individuals.
Police investigated those allegations but have yet to obtain results that would establish who was responsible. The earlier case remains under investigation.
Following the latest incident, investigators intend to take a new statement from the businessman to establish whether he has received any recent threats or has information that could help the inquiry.
Investigators examine possible connection between attacks
Police are considering all possibilities, including whether Saturday’s arson attack is connected to the September shooting at the building housing the businessman’s companies.
Read more: Arsonists target Limassol restaurant owner for second time
