Police on Monday called for the public’s assistance in efforts to trace arsonists believed to be behind large fires in Cyprus over the weekend.
Fierce fires had broken out in the areas of Kouklia, Archimandrita, Orites, Mousere, Dora, Prastio and Avdimou. Strong winds had made efforts to control them extremely difficult.
Witnesses saw cars moving around in some of the areas suspiciously and authorities are now trying to establish if there is any link between them and the fires, Philenews reported on Monday.
In the meantime, Cyprus Forestry Department head Charalambos Alexandrou has described arsons a “social phenomenon” and called for serious decisions to be taken so as to tackle it.
He did not rule out the possibility that some of the blazes got started from former seasonal fire fighters who feel angry because they have not been hired this year.
Or, from farmers or animal breeders who have differences between them and they settle these through arson believing that they get to revenge in this way.
Police, on the other hand, have reassured that even though no arrests were made so far investigations are ongoing. And that all information in their hands is under thorough investigation.
They are also calling for the public’s assistance, assuring that those who approach them will remain anonymous.
