By Charlie Charalambous
POLICE chief Andreas Angelides yesterday ordered extra security in Ayia Napa to prevent tourists being attacked in the wake of a racially motivated assault on four black Britons last week.A two-page statement issued by the police press office was quick to deny charges of bigotry and inaction in the face of racial crime.”The police chief has requested a complete report on the facts of the case and given instructions for increased policing in the area to prevent anything that might harm the high standards of hospitality and treatment of foreign tourists,” said yesterday’s statement.However, police HQ’s statement denied accusations that there was any increase or pattern in recent racist attacks against black tourists in Ayia Napa.The statement even added that: “Foreign tourists have expressed their satisfaction with the police’s immediate response and effectiveness.”The police press release was prompted by a Cyprus Mailreport about four black British tourists who fled the island after they were badly beaten by a mob of racist bikers in the resort.”The incident which happened on the night of last Thursday, during which a gang of Cypriots attacked four black tourists, is being examined with all seriousness by the police, who continue enquiries to locate the culprits,” said yesterday’s police statement.The British High Commission in Nicosia “welcomed” the police’s response to the incident.But the police did not pass up the opportunity to point out that Greeks and Greek Cypriots had themselves suffered at the hands of British tourists this summer.Police appeared to be suggesting that British and black tourists in particular were as much sinners as sinned against.The statement wanted to “remind” the public that a Cypriot chef had been left in a critical condition after allegedly being attacked by black Briton at an Ayia Napa disco on August 3.Last Thursday’s vicious assault landed one of the four Britons, Matthew Lamptey, in an Ayia Napa clinic – where he arrived unconscious and spent two days recovering.As soon as he was able to move on Sunday, the holidaymakers fled the island in fear of their lives, paying an extra £100 each to leave several days earlier than planned.Before doing so, their tour company transferred the frightened tourists to another hotel.Three of the friends were beaten in the attack, while a fourth, Jonathan Stewart, phoned the High Commission claiming local police had not taken their complaint seriously.On Tuesday, Police HQ in Nicosia told the Cyprus Mailthat they had no record of any incident in Ayia Napa involving British tourists being beaten up last week.Informed sources told the Mailthat the tourists were walking back to their apartment when they were set upon by a gang of around 20 bikers and were told to “leave our country or we’ll come back for you tonight.”Local police have already received a dressing down by the British authorities for their “rough treatment” of tourists who report thefts in resorts like Protaras and Ayia Napa.The fishing village turned night club mecca is attracting more black British holidaymakers because of its kudos as a the ‘new Ibiza’.
