Police standoff in central Larnaca involving an armed man

On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, a serious security incident occurred in central Larnaca, Cyprus. Around 15:30, police were alerted to an apartment building where an armed man was observed on a balcony shouting and making threats while holding a knife. Authorities cordoned off the area and closed nearby streets to the public. Specialist police negotiators were deployed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure the safety of those involved. Initial reports indicated that the man was holding two women inside the apartment against their will. Some sources have reported that one of the women has been released, while others continue to describe the standoff as involving two women. The man is described by some reports as a foreign national. Police efforts to resolve the situation peacefully are currently ongoing.