A 28-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Demetris Andronicou, AKA ‘Demetroui’, was released on Friday after authorities learned the gangland shooting occurred on his wedding day.

According to the court, the man was arrested on Thursday on arriving at Larnaca airport as the 11th suspect police sought in connection with the murder.

Some ten suspects were originally arrested after the shooting, with two of them released while eight remained in custody.

Police had issued an arrest warrant for the 28-year-old after investigations showed his possible involvement.

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However, the 28-year-old is reported to have been abroad during the shooting and had apparently left Cyprus a month before it occurred.

According to his lawyer Demetris Apaishiotis, he had gone abroad and was being married in Lebanon the day Demetroui was shot in April.

As evidence proving he was abroad during the shooting, the man submitted photos of his wedding to authorities.

Police had suspected the man’s involvement due to documents found bearing the man’s name in another suspect’s home, and subsequent information possibly implicating him as an intermediary in locating the assassin.

His connection was also established from cellular data. During questioning the man confirmed certain phone calls placed on the day of the murder, but claimed they had been made to congratulate him on his wedding.

The 28-year-old, who was aware that he was wanted as a suspect, contacted his lawyer a few weeks ago. The lawyer then informed Nicosia police of his client’s wish to return to Cyprus for questioning.

The court heard that the man was arrested on arrival in Larnaca and taken to a Nicosia police station for questioning, where he denied all charges.

On the basis of the new data, the man’s continued detention was deemed unjustified by authorities and he was released without charge.

The man was also questioned by Larnaca police in another case brought to light by a prosecution witness regarding a burglary in Larnaca.

The witness, driver of the motorcycle in Demetroui’s shooting, said the home of a Lebanese businessman in Larnaca had been robbed a month before the shooting.

According to testimony given to police, the burglary occurred on February 19 when four hooded men – one being the witness who had driven the motorcycle during Demetroui’s shooting – stole watches and jewellery worth €188,000 and €4,000 in cash from the businessman’s home.