Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou visited the social insurance offices in Paphos on Tuesday afternoon, following damage to a window caused by an object launched at high speed.

Earlier in the day, at around 7.30am, an employee at the Filikis Etairias Street building noticed a hole in a glass pane on the western side of the premises. Police were immediately called to the scene, which was cordoned off.

Paphos Police assistant operations director, Michalis Nikolaou, said forensics examined the site and concluded that the damage had been caused by an object launched with considerable force.

The use of a conventional firearm was ruled out, though the possibility of an airgun or similar projectile-firing device remains under investigation.

The time of the incident is still unknown, and the Paphos CID is continuing its inquiries.

Speaking to reporters after his visit, Panayiotou said he went to the offices to ensure that staff felt safe at their workplace – this something he stressed should be a given for all employees.

“The police are taking the necessary steps, and this will be confirmed in practice so that both the employees and the public can continue to access the services at this site without disruption,” he said.

When asked if he had received specific information from the police, the minister said any substantive details of the case fall under police jurisdiction and would be addressed by them.

He also declined to speculate on whether the incident amounted to an attack, again stressing that this was for the police to determine and comment on.

Asked about the mood among staff following the incident, Panayiotou said morale appeared to be high. “When I arrived, everyone was focused on their work, and I am confident they will continue in the same spirit,” he said.

Following his statement, the minister spoke directly with employees at the Paphos social insurance office.

The time at which the window was damaged remains unclear and investigations are ongoing.