An explosive attack targeting the home of Cypriot painter Giorgos Gavriel took place earlier this evening.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, shortly after 6:00pm, at Gavriel’s residence in Kokkino Trimithia, while several family members were inside the house. According to police information and the artist’s own account, unknown perpetrators on motorcycles approached the property and detonated what are believed to be improvised explosive devices, possibly firecrackers or small homemade explosives, before fleeing the scene.

The blast reportedly occurred on the balcony and courtyard area of the home, causing material damage to the flooring and exterior, but no injuries. Gavriel, his wife, children and grandchildren were all present at the time.

“I was on the ground floor when I heard the explosions,” the artist said, describing moments of panic as he rushed to ensure everyone was safe. “Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it was terrifying. I have no words for what is happening.”

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Following the explosion, the police were immediately notified, with members of the CID (TAE) and bomb disposal experts deployed to the scene to assess the damage and determine the nature of the explosive mechanism used.

Investigations are ongoing.

The attack comes after the extreme targeting of the visual artist over works featured in an exhibition he presented at a gallery in Paphos, where nationalist circles threatened the lives of both himself and the gallery owner, while a group of young people also intervened in person at the exhibition venue.

The entire affair surrounding Mr Gavriel’s exhibition received widespread publicity when, through back-to-back social media posts, DISY Vice President Efthymios Diplaros and Marios Pelekanos—ELAM’s spokesperson and former government spokesman under the Anastasiades administration—launched fierce attacks against the artist, using harsh characterisations.