The 31-year-old man who admitted involvement in an attempted murder case in Oroklini will remain in custody pending the start of his trial on January 31.

The case was filed before Larnaca criminal court on Friday with the Greek Cypriot man facing nine charges. These include conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm twice, and possession of firearm and ammunition.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old businessman, who was arrested in connection with the case, was released, media reported.

Moreover, police continue to look for 35-year-old Andreas Christou, who allegedly revealed his involvement in the attempted murder to his family.

Investigations started after gunshots were fired at a moving car driven by the 42-year-old man with the six-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man as passengers. The incident occurred at around 5.30am on December 4 as they were going hunting.

The 42-year-old suffered an abdominal wound and leg injuries while the child suffered a fracture to his right leg. Both underwent surgery.

The third person was not injured because he reportedly managed to get out of the car once the shooting began.

During the 31-year-old’s remand renewal at the Larnaca district court, it was heard that the wanted suspect was reported to police as a missing person on December 7 by his sister. His vehicle was found abandoned in Ayios Nikolaos on the British bases.

The sister reportedly said her brother had revealed to her he had conspired with the 34-year-old to commit the murder and that he would receive the sum of €40,000 from the 34-year-old, however in the end received only €20,000.

The woman also told police that Christou handed her a mobile phone, which she turned over to authorities as evidence.

According to the investigator, the 34-year-old suspect was not tied through DNA to the weapon, or the balaclava found at the scene, and that nothing suspicious was found at his home.

Police urged anyone who might have information leading to Christou’s arrest to contact CID Larnaca on 24-804060, their nearest police station, or the citizen’s line 1460.