Remand extended for suspects in deadly arson

The Nicosia district court on Saturday extended for another eight days the remands of three men, 46,32 and 29, suspected in being involved in a fire that led to the death of a 42-year-old woman last week.

The three were arrested in connection with a fire and explosion in a café /restaurant on the ground floor of a building on Costakis Pantelides street in central Nicosia that killed a woman, 42, who was living in an apartment on the first floor of the building. The fire erupted at around 2.40 am on January 30. It is believed to have been set by the 32-year-old on the instructions of the 46-year-old, who is the owner of the establishment.

A 29-year-old man, allegedly the driver of a large motorcycle used in the crime, was also arrested. The two, along with the bar owner were remanded in custody for eight days.

Police secured the extension of the three suspects’ remands for another eight days. They are being investigated for conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, manslaughter and break-in and arson.

The woman was found dead in her apartment by fire-fighters.

The 32-year-old had named the owner, who wanted to collect the insurance worth around €260,000, as the instigator. He told police he had found the doors unlocked, as had been agreed with the owner, and behind the bar he found a can with petrol he used to light a fire.

The suspect said he did not know that a woman was staying in the flat above and that the owner had told him there was no one.

The two other suspects denied any involvement in the case.

 

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