Paragliders pick bad time for airport joyride

TWO British permanent residents, aged 30 and 24, were arrested yesterday afternoon after being spotted paragliding in the area of Larnaca airport.
In addition to their actions being a danger to aircraft, police were concerned at the security breach a day before the arrival of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a host of other European dignitaries to attend a conference in Limassol.
Police tried to track down the two culprits after receiving a tip-off shortly before 5pm but the paragliders gave them the slip, hiding the equipment in nearby Oroklini when they realised the police were after them. However police were later able to track them down. They are due to appear in court this morning. Although they are not suspected of any criminal intent, they did act illegally if unwittingly, by gliding in the area of the airport.
Security is tight for the arrival of participants in the Limassol conference today.
Police Spokesman Andreas Angelides said yesterday the security measures will be in force from the moment the EU leaders arrive, through their stay and participation in the conference, up to their departure.
 He said that around 180 members of the police force would be involved in the operation, and that two crisis centres would be operating, one at police headquarters in Nicosia, and one in Limassol.

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