A motorcycle has been found near the Ormideia home of the 76-year-old father of a man serving life for the Ayia Napa quadruple murder, after seven shots were fired at the house early on Wednesday.
Famagusta police are investigating whether the gunmen used the motorcycle and then, for reasons that are unclear, left the scene on foot. Officers are also examining CCTV footage from the area and are awaiting test results on cartridge cases and other evidence found at the scene.
The shooting has caused serious concern among Famagusta police because, two and a half months ago, unknown attackers tried to kill the 33-year-old brother of the 48-year-old prisoner. The latest attack is believed to be a fresh message to the prisoner from members of an organised crime group.
Investigators will therefore extend their inquiries to the Central Prisons, and a statement is expected to be taken from the prisoner. His activities, including the businesses he owns in Ayia Napa, will also come under renewed scrutiny.
The shots were fired at 3am on Wednesday, while the 76-year-old and his wife were at home, and hit the front of the house and the pensioner’s car. The shooting was not reported to police until later that morning, with the pensioner reportedly telling officers that he and his wife had not heard the gunfire.
The attempt on the brother’s life, at 5.40am on 21 August, remains unsolved. He was driving in the Kokkines area of Ayia Napa when attackers who had been lying in wait a few metres from his home opened fire as he turned right, hitting the right side of his car several times. He was not hurt and escaped by driving on. Shortly afterwards, a car was found burning in open ground in the Avgorou area and was later linked to the attackers.
