Police terror drill causes panic

Bystanders were alarmed on Thursday on witnessing an unannounced terror drill by police unfolding outside a sports arena in Limassol.

The exercise, featuring members of the police’s Emergency Response Unit and the Special Antiterrorist Squad, simulated a hostage situation by two terrorists.

The drill began around 5.30pm and was carried out near the Palais de Sport facility. Inside the arena, at the same, an indoor soccer game and gymnastics events with children were taking place.

According to reports, people ambling about the sports arena became frightened as they did not know whether the goings-on were real or a simulation.

Police later confirmed that the drill had been kept a secret. Even the officers taking part were not told about the exercise until they reported for duty, a police source said.

The chief of police has ordered an administrative probe into the incident.

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