Arrest after cars damaged in Paphos fire

A 30-year-old Paphos man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the theft of electricity, negligent and reckless acts, illegal entry into a property, and failure to fulfil duties.

Police said on Monday they had received information at 4.40pm on Sunday about a fire at an abandoned factory in the Paphos industrial area near Demokratias avenue. The report indicated that vehicles inside the premises were on fire.

Police and firefighters arrived at the scene, where three vehicles and a motorcycle, which were being repaired, had sustained extensive damage.

A 30-year-old mechanic was found at the scene attempting to repair the vehicles. He suffered burns while trying to contain the fire and was taken to Paphos general hospital’s A&E department. After receiving first aid, he was discharged.

Further investigation by the police and fire department revealed that the fire was caused by a short circuit.

The 30-year-old man was allegedly using electricity illegally from an Electricity Authority (EAC) pole connected to an unlawful and makeshift electrical installation on the premises.

He was arrested and then charged in writing and released pending a court summons.