The Animal Party on Monday decried what it described as an unprovoked attack on two activists who were staging a peaceful protest on Ledra Street on Saturday.

The activists set up placards, banners and photographs – often deeply graphic – decrying and depicting mistreatment of animals. Similar protests in the past have involved activists donning masks and smearing fake blood.

The protest seemingly drew strong reaction from a member of the public who allegedly began shouting at the activists and then attacked two of them a man and a woman.

The Animal Party said that the protestors were seriously injured and needed to be taken to hospital. The party is now calling on the justice ministry and the police to immediately investigate the incident.

Head of the party Kyriacos Kyriacou told the Cyprus Mail on Monday that the Lycavitos police station is handling the case and officers are aware of the alleged attacker’s details.

He added that the two injured activists will provide statements to the police.

The protest was organised by Anonymous for the Voiceless and 269life Animal Liberation Cyprus.