Police investigate incident involving five-year-old child at Larnaca beach

On August 18, 2026, authorities in Larnaca were alerted following a report from a mother whose five-year-old child was picked up by an unidentified man while sitting on a sun lounger at a local beach. The mother confronted the man, who claimed he only intended to play with the child, noting that he is a parent himself. Sources report that the man reportedly picked up the child and swung him around. Some initial reports suggested an attempted abduction, but police clarified that the man remained at the scene with his friends after the confrontation and entered the sea.

Police arrived at the beach, identified the individual, and requested statements from the mother, the man, and witnesses. The suspect, identified as a foreign national, subsequently provided a statement at a police station. He was not arrested, and no charges have been filed at this stage. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if any criminal offense occurred and to clarify the exact nature and intent of the interaction.