A serious violent incident involving food delivery drivers took place in Paphos on Tuesday night, with police investigating offences including robbery, causing actual bodily harm, affray, unlawful possession and carrying of an offensive weapon, common assault and malicious damage.
According to information under investigation by the Paphos CID, a 26-year-old delivery driver travelled to the Mouttalos area at around 8.40pm to deliver a food order.
Upon arrival, an unidentified man, who was allegedly accompanied by three others, reportedly refused to pay for the order. Police said the man then attacked the 26-year-old, throwing a stone at him.
The delivery driver contacted colleagues, who rushed to the area. At the same time, about 10 unidentified men reportedly arrived at the scene, some of whom appeared to be carrying metal objects.
An attack against the delivery drivers followed, while the suspects allegedly knocked over and damaged their motorcycles.
Second attack and robbery reported
The incident escalated further when four of the unidentified men allegedly got into a vehicle and drove to another area of Mouttalos.
There they reportedly located a 22-year-old delivery driver who had just completed a delivery.
Three of the vehicle's occupants allegedly got out and attacked him. According to police, they then stole cash and his mobile phone before leaving the scene in an unknown direction.
Five injured, one remains in hospital
According to the official police account, five delivery drivers were injured during the incidents.
All were transported by ambulance to Paphos General Hospital, where they were examined by the doctor on duty and found to have sustained various injuries.
Four were discharged after receiving treatment, while one remained in hospital for further medical care.
Delivery drivers' account
Members of the delivery drivers' community have provided a different account regarding the number of people injured.
Speaking to RoadReportCY, they claimed that seven delivery drivers were hurt during the attacks and required hospital treatment.
They further alleged that money and mobile phones were stolen and that motorcycles belonging to colleagues were damaged.
RoadReportCY noted that it had not independently verified all of the claims, while the official police statement refers to five injured individuals.
Video footage obtained by the website reportedly shows chaotic scenes, including groups of people gathered in the area, motorcycles lying on the road and an ambulance at the scene.
Delivery drivers said video evidence has been handed over to police to assist with the investigation.
Fifth complaint in six months
Members of the delivery drivers' community expressed deep concern over what they describe as recurring acts of violence against workers in the sector.
According to their claims, this is the fifth complaint submitted to police within the last six months concerning incidents involving delivery drivers.
