A football league derby was abandoned on Monday evening due to heavy fog in the Nicosia area.

Referee Vasilis Demetriou was forced to abandon the fixture between Nicosia arch-rivals Apoel and Omonia at the 17th minute because of the heavy fog.

Visibility was poor from the kick-off by the referee started the game in the hope that conditions would improve.

The Met service said the fog was not expected to disperse soon.

Earlier, police issued a warning to motorists as thick fog had formed in some areas in Nicosia.

Police said there was fog in Kornos, Ayia Varvara, Pera Horio Nisou, and Latsia, as well as the areas of Archangelos, Lakatamia, Strovolos, and Astromeritis.

Drivers were urged to be cautious, drive slowly, and keep a safe distance.