Close to 7,500 people used the seven crossings controlled by the Republic after they reopened on Friday, most going to the north, police said.

According to a police spokesperson, 7,455 people used the crossings in the 24 hours up to 6am on Saturday, 3,551 coming from the north and 3,904 going.

From Ayios Dhometios crossing point, where people can cross with their car, 1,905 people came south and 2,058 went the opposite way, police said.

Ledra Street crossing was used by 686 people from the north and 748 from the south. Ledra Palace recorded 178 crossings from the north and 189 from the south, police said.

Astromeritis crossing was used by 840 people, 505 of whom going to the north, while Lefka saw 36 people crossing, 20 going north.

Police said 324 people used Limnitis with 212 coming from the north, and 491 used Dherynia, with 272 going north.

Two other crossings, Strovilia and Pergamos, are under the jurisdiction of the British military bases and no figures had been provided.