Restaurant in Nicosia old town badly damaged in fire

A restaurant in Laiki Yitonia in the old town of Nicosia was severely damaged by a fire, fire service representative Koulla Mesaritou told the Cyprus Mail on Monday.

The “huge” blaze, as it was described by an eyewitness, was burning for over two hours in the traditional urban neighbourhood.

According to Mesaritou, the fire service received information regarding a fire that broke out in a restaurant five minutes before 3pm and responded with four fire engines.

Videos and photos from the scene showed the affected business was Xefoto restaurant, established in 1983 near Eleftherias square, featuring Cypriot cuisine.

The fire started inside the business, as kitchen and other staff were making preparations for the evening.

Everyone managed to get out of the restaurant before the fire spread and no injuries were recorded.

Before it was put out around 5.20pm, the fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant, as well as two adjacent buildings, she added.

The fire service, including fire investigators, in collaboration with police were expected to investigate the exact causes of the blaze.