Elderly arsonist says he started massive blaze to spite landowner

A 78-year-old man was yesterday arrested on suspicion of starting a large fire in an area near the village of Kyvides near Limassol.

The fire started at 10.45am and spread quickly with the wind’s assistance, destroying 15 hectares of trees, shrubs and vineyards.

A large fire-fighting force, including three helicopters, was immediately scrambled to the area, managing to bring the fire under control at around 2pm.

But fire fighters who arrived on the scene also found the 78-year-old man trying to leave the area.

One fireman said they had spotted four starting points for the fire.

When they approached the fourth one, they spotted the old man who had had a flammable material in his possession.

“A lighter and 12 pieces of solid fire lighter were found in his possession,” the police spokesman said.

Reports said the man immediately admitted setting the fires.

He claimed he wanted to take revenge on the person who owned the property because he would not carry him to Limassol on his bus.

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