Armed robbery at Paphos bank

POLICE yesterday arrested one man and were seeking two more suspected of robbing a Paphos bank of €49,300.

Police said there were customers in the Coral Bay Laiki bank branch at the time but no one was hurt.

The three hooded robbers, armed with guns, entered the bank at 11.30am following other customers through the secure door.

They demanded the cash from the tellers, and then put it in two bags.

Police said their demand was made in Greek but witnesses accounts suggested the man speaking was not a native Cypriot.

But while trying to flee the scene, the robber discovered that the secure door was locked, prompting them to smash the glass to make their escape.

In their haste, they left one bag behind while police later recovered a cap, a hood, sunglasses and some currency not far from the scene.

The robbers fled in two different directions, with one of them chased by two members of the public.

Police were led to the suspect, a 35-year-old Georgian national, by people who saw him hiding.

Police said the suspect has admitted to taking part in the robbery but would not immediately name his accomplices.

A large number of police officers aided by a helicopter searched the area for the two suspects.

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