Police have arrested a second suspect as part of an attempted murder investigation following a violent altercation outside a nightclub in Ayia Napa early on Wednesday that left four men injured, including a security guard who underwent emergency surgery.

A 21-year-old Israeli man appeared before Famagusta district court on Wednesday, where an eight-day detention order was issued against him to facilitate police investigations.

Authorities also arrested a 22-year-old man, who remains hospitalised at Famagusta general hospital with injuries to his head and face.

Police said he was taken into custody under a court warrant as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The arrests stem from a fight which broke out at around 4.30am outside a nightclub in Ayia Napa.

According to information obtained by investigators, the 21-year-old Israeli and the 22-year-old became involved in an argument with a young Cypriot man before two security guards intervened in an attempt to separate those involved.

Police allege the 21-year-old produced a knife during the confrontation and injured the young Cypriot and both security guards.

The 22-year-old was also injured during the incident.

In total, four injured men were taken to Famagusta general hospital for treatment.

One of the security guards suffered a stab wound to the abdomen and underwent surgery.

Authorities said he is now out of danger but remains in a serious condition.

A second security guard sustained a stab wound to the right calf, while the young Cypriot man suffered less serious injuries.

Police also said the 21-year-old allegedly insulted officers when they approached him at the scene, leading to his arrest for offences relating to disturbing the peace in addition to the attempted murder investigation.

Investigators recovered and seized a knife believed to have been used during the incident.

Forensic examinations and witness interviews are continuing as officers work to establish the full sequence of events.

The Famagusta police department is leading the investigation.