Overnight clashes with police officers in Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia on Friday led to dozens of arrests, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Damaged property included police vehicles, school buildings, Christmas decorations, and rubbish bins.

The fire service responded to 67 incidents where individuals set fire to bins, tires, waste, trees and Christmas decorations, according to reports.

Police spokeswoman Kyriaki Lambrianidou confirmed the arrest of 23 individuals, most of whom are minors. Specifically, 21 minors and two adults were taken into custody.

The fracas began on Friday night as the youths began throwing firecrackers, firebombs and stones at the police as part of what they referred to as “All Cops Are Bastards” day.

The most violent incidents occurred in Larnaca, particularly in the Prodromou area, Lambrianidou said. Youths set fires and caused property damage, primarily around a local school. The unrest later spread to the Faneromeni and Ayious Anargyrous neighbourhoods.

In total, 10 people were arrested in Larnaca, nine in Nicosia and four in Limassol.

Police officers attempting to restore order were attacked with stones, flares and fireworks.

Larnaca district court on Saturday remanded eight individuals aged between 13 to 17 for two days.

In one case, the father of a youth was also arrested after arriving at the police station intoxicated to pick up his son. He was charged in writing and later released.

A 14-year-old suspect in Larnaca was released after questioning.

In Nicosia, five were charged in writing, two who were found with firecrackers will be called to present themselves at a station at a later time to be charged in writing and another two have been requested to go to the police station on Monday.

There were 25 incidents in Limassol, where youths, primarily minors were setting tires and bins on fire.

In the Kolossi – Ypsonas area, after officers reached the scene, the youths began damaging police vehicles.

Three minors were arrested and released with instructions to give statements later, while a 27-year-old remains in custody.

Police are continuing their investigations into the incidents.