Fire at Limassol police detention center following escape attempt

On April 2, a fire broke out at the Limassol central police station detention center around 16:50-17:00. The incident was allegedly caused by a Russian national who set fire to a mattress in his cell. The suspect had been apprehended earlier that day after attempting to escape from a Paphos courthouse, where he was facing charges for motorcycle theft. Following his recapture, he was transferred to the Limassol detention facility. In total, three detainees and four police officers required medical attention due to smoke inhalation and injuries. One detainee was transferred to the Nicosia General Hospital burn unit and intubated, while the other victims were treated and released. Approximately 40 other detainees had to be relocated overnight due to significant property damage. An official investigation into how the suspect was able to start the fire is currently underway.