Greek Cypriot man tells police he accidentally drove into the north on Thursday

A Greek Cypriot man said he had accidentally crossed into the north early on Thursday morning and then fled to territory controlled by British bases once he noticed lights coming from a Turkish Cypriot outpost.

Police said the 32-year-old man inadvertently entered the area at 4 am on the Larnaca–Famagusta road which leads to Strovilia.

He reportedly ended up on a dirt track and left his vehicle for a few minutes.

The man said that he realised he had entered the north when he saw the spotlights on him.

He said he became scared and started running in the opposite direction, leaving his car behind which was surrounded by Turkish Cypriot soldiers.

The case is being investigated by the Dhekelia bases police and a procedure to return the man’s vehicle is under way under with the help of the UN.