Thirteen individuals arrested in connection with violent clash in Limassol’s Ayia Fyla area on Friday night will remain in custody until Sunday night, the Limassol district court ruled on Saturday.

The suspects are two 16-year-olds, eight 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, and a 19-year-old, police said. One of the 17-year-olds was also arrested on traffic-related offences.

Authorities were first alerted at 9:30 pm on Friday, when reports emerged of around 200 hooded individuals, armed with bats and stones, gathered outside a bakery in Ayia Fyla. Clashes broke out and objects were set on fire.

A stolen motorbike was also found at the scene.

Upon arrival, police forces dispersed most of those present, while 13 individuals were detained on the spot.

“These incidents are completely unacceptable,” President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday while touring Larnaca. “There have already been arrests, and there will be more.”

A police crisis centre was immediately set up under the supervision of the Limassol police chief, and additional officers were deployed to the area.

The 13 arrested individuals were initially detained on charges of unlawful assembly but were re-arrested on Saturday morning for additional offences, including conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour, rioting, malicious damage, and possession of dangerous weapons. One was rearrested on suspicion of theft of a motorbike.

Court ruled that all 13 will remain in custody until Sunday night as investigations continue.

Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis described the police response as immediate and effective, saying it prevented an escalation of violence.

Photo: Politis

Speaking in Larnaca on Saturday, where he accompanied Christodoulides on an official visit, Hartsiotis acknowledged that youth delinquency has been on the rise in recent weeks.

“This was an unacceptable incident,” he said. “Police acted quickly and effectively, and during this period, they will intensify their patrols and overall operations to prevent such events, especially in the lead-up to Easter, when youth delinquency tends to spike.”

The minister urged all relevant authorities, including local councils, parents, educators and the wider public, to support efforts to curb youth violence.

Asked to comment on what may have instigated the clashes, he said that while investigations are ongoing, the incident involved around 150 to 200 individuals who had seemingly planned the gathering with violent intent.

“Thanks to the swift police response, the situation was contained, and worse consequences were avoided,” he added.

Hartsiotis confirmed that more arrests are expected as authorities work to identify additional individuals involved in the unrest.

Police will continue conducting intensified patrols and targeted operations to address the growing issue of youth delinquency, he said.