Man shot dead in Limassol
By Nick Theodoulou
Yermasogia awoke to a shocking gangster-like execution after a 55-year-old man was gunned down by two hooded attackers firing from a Kalashnikov type rifle and a pistol.
The attack happened at about 8am near a “well-known” restaurant beside the beach on the costal road.
The victim has been named Thanasis Kalogeropoulos, with CyBC reporting that he was previously known to the authorities – a phrase typically hinting that he had previously been involved in crime.
The attack is understood to have unfolded after a car pulled into the parking lot, blocking the exit, with shots fired soon after.
Kalogeropoulos then rushed to his car, a black Land Rover Discovery, but the vehicle was hit and subsequently crashed into a wall and was immobilised.
A witness told Phileleftheros that two hooded attackers wearing black then approached the car and began firing at a distance of just two metres.
“We immediately ran to hide as did others there as we thought we were going to be killed,” the witness was quoted as saying.
A car was soon found aflame in Yermasogia shortly after the shooting, with reports of the two guns found inside.
Police are gathering evidence and witness statements as their investigation is ongoing.
CyBC reported that the incident occurred near a “well-known restaurant” beside a beach that the victim frequented for his morning swim.
It added that family members of the victim arrived later at the scene, including the victim’s father. It is understood the victim has three children.
Limassol police chief Lefteris Kyriacou said later in the day that the attack was well organised and carefully planned.
He confirmed that the victim had previously been involved with the police on various occasions but did not elaborate further.
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