The 36-year-old man of African origin arrested on Wednesday following a hostage situation in Larnaca was handed an eight-day remand order by the Larnaca district court on Thursday for holding two women hostage at knife point.

The man is being investigated for kidnapping people with the intention of holding them hostage and causing bodily harm, threatening violence, assault causing bodily harm, psychological violence, wielding a knife and illegal entry.

Head of the Larnaca criminal investigation department Giorgos Charalambous said the man appeared to be visiting the area and has not given any explanations for his actions, as he is not yet able to communicate.

The police were notified just after 3.30pm that a man in the city centre was on a balcony waving a knife and shouting threats.

The scene was cordoned off and police negotiators were brought in.

The police found two women also of African origin in the flat who were reportedly being threatened by the man.

Following negotiations, the police managed to immobilise the man and arrest him.

The police said the two women were safe and had been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing.