Police continue search for missing women

Police on Tuesday resumed a search for two Russian women believed to be the victims of foul play after they went missing from their residence in Larnaca in mid-November.

Investigations continue into the disappearance of Alraeesi Khaiat, 43 and Mariia Gazibagandova, 33, who were reported missing from their Larnaca residence on November 17.

Police have detained a 32-year-old Syrian man in connection with the disappearance and have secured an arrest warrant for a second suspect, 23.

Authorities did not publish a photo or details of the suspect yet, saying they will do so in case he was not found in the coming days.

The 32-year-old, who is married to a Greek Cypriot, is believed to be the last person who saw the two women.

The suspect had spent time with the two women at a holiday home in Amiandos, where he had been carrying out construction work. The owner of the home did not know this.

Police said they found blood which matched the DNA of one of the women at the cottage. Blood was also found on a mini excavator that was being used in the construction work.

The investigation into possible foul play was launched last Friday after police received information implicating the suspect.

The two women, in Cyprus as tourists, one at the beginning of summer, the other around one and a half months ago.