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Investigators await forensic clues from shell casings, stolen car in Ayia Napa murder attempt

In-Cyprus · 2026-08-25

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Authorities in Ayia Napa are investigating an attempted murder of a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot man, believed to be linked to his brother's life sentence for a quadruple murder, with forensic evidence being gathered from shell casings and a stolen vehicle. • Why it matters: The incident raises concerns about safety in the Ayia Napa community and highlights ongoing criminal activity in the region, as it appears to be connected to the victim's brother's past crimes. • What to watch next: Investigators are awaiting ballistic examination results and are seeking additional CCTV footage to identify the attackers, while also planning to interview the victim's incarcerated brother and potential witnesses.

**Investigators Await Forensic Clues from Shell Casings, Stolen Car in Ayia Napa Murder Attempt**

*Ayia Napa, Cyprus – August 25, 2026* – Authorities in Ayia Napa are currently investigating an attempted murder that occurred early last Friday morning, targeting a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot man. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed during the incident, which police believe was intended as a warning related to his brother, a 48-year-old man serving a life sentence for a notorious quadruple murder case in the area.

The shooting took place around 5:40 AM, just a short distance from the victim's residence in the Kokkines neighborhood. Eyewitness accounts are scarce, and investigators have yet to identify any suspects. The police are focusing their efforts on gathering forensic evidence to help piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Famagusta CID is currently awaiting the results of ballistic examinations on approximately 15 shell casings that were recovered from the scene. These tests are crucial for determining whether the shots were fired by one or two individuals and for identifying the type of firearms used in the attack.

In addition to the shell casings, investigators are examining a stolen Volvo that was reportedly used by the assailants. This vehicle was discovered burned in the Avgorou area shortly after the shooting, raising further questions about the attackers' identities and their escape plan.

Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity; however, the sparse population of the area has made it challenging to gather useful information. Investigators are actively searching for additional footage that may capture the attackers' escape routes, as they believe at least two individuals were involved in the shooting.

The victim, who remains active in the Ayia Napa community, narrowly escaped serious injury, with most of the gunfire striking the right side of his vehicle. Authorities speculate that his decision to continue driving during the assault may have contributed to his survival. Reports indicate that the attackers had been lying in wait for him, opening fire as he made a turn.

As the investigation continues, police plan to take statements from the victim's brother, currently incarcerated at Central Prisons, as well as from other potential witnesses. The motive behind the attack appears to be linked to the victim's brother's past criminal activities, which have drawn significant attention from law enforcement.

As the situation develops, local authorities remain focused on uncovering the details of this violent incident, which has raised concerns about safety in the area. The police urge anyone with information related to the shooting or the stolen vehicle to come forward.

This incident is part of a broader context of criminal activity in the region, with police also addressing other recent events, including the arrest of a homeless man in Larnaca for attacking a police officer during a welfare check and ongoing investigations into a fatal motorcycle crash in the same city.

As the investigation into the attempted murder in Ayia Napa unfolds, local residents are left to grapple with the implications of such violence in their community.

Source: In-Cyprus
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