Hostage situation in Larnaca resolved without injuries

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, a 36-year-old man from Cameroon held two women hostage in an apartment on Polygyrou Street in central Larnaca. The incident began around 3:30 p.m. when the man was seen on a balcony threatening the women with a knife. Police cordoned off the area and deployed negotiators from Larnaca and Nicosia, alongside a counter-terrorism team. The standoff lasted over two hours, during which the suspect reportedly held the knife to the throat of one victim. Reports suggest the suspect may have been the brother of one of the women, with potential financial disputes cited as a motive. Following successful negotiations, police entered the apartment shortly before 6 p.m., arrested the man, and safely released both women. The victims, aged 35 and 40, were taken to Larnaca General Hospital as a precaution for minor injuries and shock. The suspect is currently in police custody for questioning.