Man arrested while attempting to escape by sea after attacking victim with axe in north Cyprus

Yeşilırmak, 12 August 2025 — A 33-year-old man was arrested in Yeşilırmak after allegedly striking another man in the head with an axe, leaving him seriously injured, and then attempting to flee by swimming out to sea.

According to information from the Police Press Office, the incident occurred at around 12:10 a.m. on Şehit Günfer Hasan Street. Police reported that an argument between the suspect identified as S.F.F., and T.Ç. (44) escalated into a physical altercation, during which both men struck each other and shouted loudly, disturbing the peace.

After initially leaving the scene, S.F.F. allegedly returned shortly thereafter, armed with two axes he was unlawfully carrying. Police say he entered the kitchen of a nearby restaurant, where T.Ç. was present, and struck him in the head with intent to kill.

The victim was first taken to Cengiz Topel State Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Nicosia Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital. Medical examinations revealed a skull fracture, and he remains under observation in the neurosurgery unit.

Following the attack, S.F.F. reportedly attempted to evade capture by entering the sea and swimming away from the area. However, a coordinated operation between the Coast Guard and police led to his detection and arrest while still in the water.

Police confirmed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.