Two men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested and taken into custody to facilitate inquiries into an attack on a 23-year-old pedestrian in Nicosia on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old reported to the police that, while walking on Sophocleous Street, a car with three people in it stopped alongside him. The front passenger got out and punched him in the face, and after he fell to the ground, continued to beat and abuse him.

The rear passenger also got out and reportedly stood by without taking any action. The driver then left the scene while the other two left on foot.

The 23-year-old went to Nicosia general hospital where he was examined for injuries on his neck, head and lip.

As part of the investigation into the case, testimony emerged against two individuals aged 19 and 21 who were arrested on warrants and taken into custody.

Offences of racially motivated violence, as well as assault and causing actual bodily harm and public insult, are being investigated against them.