The trial of five men who face charges related to their parts in a mass brawl in Larnaca on January 17 was on Tuesday adjourned until next month, with defence lawyers requesting time to study the evidence brought against their clients.

All five suspects – a 48-year-old, a 32-year-old, two 26-year-olds, and a 20-year-old – appeared at the Larnaca criminal court, and face a litany of charges, including the illegal possession and transportation of a firearm, extortion and actual bodily harm.

Additionally, the 48-year-old and one of the 26-year-olds face additional charges for the alleged assault of another man hours before the brawl broke out.

The police are also looking for three more suspects – men aged 35, 27 and 26 – in connection with the case.

Their investigation into the brawl has widened in the months since the fight broke out, with it believed that the incident was related to organised crime.

At present, it is believed that a criminal syndicate imposed security guards at Larnaca nightclubs to collect money for “protection” over the course of three years, with multiple arrests of people accused of having participated in organised crime and committed extortion and money laundering having been made since.

The next hearing will take place on April 6.