Four people were arrested on Saturday evening outside the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, shortly before the Cyprus Cup Final kicked off.

Police said the suspects include two men, both aged 38, and two 16-year-old boys. All were found in possession of flares, fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.

At around 6pm, officers carried out a search in the stadium’s car park, where they stopped a vehicle carrying the two adult suspects. During the inspection, police confiscated 26 hand-held flares and eight launch-type fireworks.

The men were arrested on the spot for carrying offensive items in a sports venue and for unlawful possession and transport of explosives. Both were later released after signing a guarantee to appear before Nicosia court on May 26.

A short time later, at around 6.30pm, police arrested the two teenagers at the stadium entrances. Officers said flares were found in their possession during standard security checks.

The two minors were taken to a local police station and questioned in the presence of their parents, a lawyer, and a juvenile welfare officer. They were later released and will be formally summoned at a later date.

Investigations are ongoing by Strovolos police station.