A 44-year-old man in Paphos was arrested after he was caught in the act, stealing copper from construction works, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday at around 2:30pm when police received a tip off that two people were at the construction site of a home in Paphos, stealing copper. Officers arrived to the scene to see a man holding wires and copper tubing.

Once the man realized police had arrived, he attempted to flee the scene but was caught by an officer who chased him. The 44-year-old grabbed some a piece of metal spanning one metre long and used it to hit the officer in the leg.

The man was arrested on the spot for attacking an officer. Police also found cash and what officers believe is methamphetamine .

A few hours later, shortly before 7pm, another man was seen emerging from the same construction site. Officers arrested the man and police said the 38-year-old man is a Paphos resident who admitted to stealing copper with the 44-year-old.