Suspicious bag did not contain explosive (Updated)

Police on Wednesday carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious bag but found it was not an explosive device as originally suspected.

It was a wooden box containing pieces of lead used for fishing, wrapped in pieces of rope and duct tape, giving the impression that it could also have been an improvised explosive device.

Police’ bomb-squad officers carried out two controlled explosions to neutralise any explosive material.

According to reports, the bag was left unattended outside an apartment building on a beach area in Kappari in Paralimni, which was evacuated by police and the area was cordoned off.

The bag had been spotted by a passer-by around 2pm.

Investigations are ongoing.