Police in Nicosia spotted two men entering from the north shortly before 3am on Monday in an area within the city walls.

According to a police statement, when apprehended, the suspects were found not to be carrying IDs, as a result of which they were arrested for illegal entry into the territory of the Republic.

Police conducted background checks through which it was established that the young men were aged 22 and 26. On was in possession of nine boxes of cigarettes which appeared to have been brought in from the north.

When interrogated, the 20-year-old appears to have admitted his involvement in seven cases of burglary and theft.