Two new cases involving assaults and robberies against food delivery workers were reported during Tuesday night in Limassol, amid ongoing investigations by the police into similar incidents.
Since the beginning of September, more than ten suspects have been arrested in connection with similar cases.
In the first case, reported at around 10pm on Tuesday, a delivery driver claimed he was assaulted by a group of ten unknown individuals in the Yermasoyia area. The driver said the attackers verbally abused him, beat him and stole cash and his helmet. He required hospital treatment following the incident, where he received medical treatment for abrasions and a facial injury before being discharged.
According to the victim, the assailants insulted him regarding his origin and skin colour before fleeing the scene.
The second incident was reported shortly after midnight by a 27-year-old food delivery driver, who told police officer that while riding his electric bicycle in the Ayios Tychonas area, he was approached by three people riding a white motorcycle.
According to the victim, one of the assailants kicked him in the back, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was subsequently beaten. Another assailant grabbed him by the neck while the others stole two mobile phones from him before fleeing the scene.
The delivery driver said that the assailants spoke to him in English and covered their faces with hoodies. Members of the Limassol CID also conducted examinations at the scene.
According to the police, since the beginning of September, ten suspects have been arrested in connection with assaults and robberies targeting food delivery workers. Additionally, a 16-year-old suspect was apprehended on Tuesday in connection with a recent case.
Tuesday’s attacks come three days after another driver in Limassol reported getting ambushed by three individuals who attacked him and stole his phone and wallet.
Two months ago, hundreds of delivery drivers staged a peaceful protest in Limassol, expressing deep concern over what they describe as a frightening surge in violent attacks against them.
Around 300 protesters voiced their frustration, saying their pleas for help to the police, authorities and the public have fallen on deaf ears as the assaults continue unabated.
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