Cyprus Police are searching for a suspect in the Christmas tree arson in Paphos

The cause of the fire that destroyed the Christmas tree in the central square of Paphos was arson. The police have issued an arrest warrant for a 39-year-old man.

According to Paphos Police spokesperson Michalis Nicolaou, the Christmas tree caught fire due to malicious intent. An arrest warrant has been issued for a 39-year-old man who is now wanted.

Surveillance camera footage shows the suspect approaching the tree, after which it immediately ignites.

As a reminder, the Christmas tree in the central square of the Paphos Municipality in Cyprus burned down on the night of January 3rd. The fire broke out on Wednesday morning, shortly after 03:00. Fire brigades promptly arrived at the scene, but they couldn't save the main symbol of Christmas and New Year. The 12-meter-tall Christmas tree with 17,000 lights and hundreds of red balls was completely destroyed by the flames.