Five men were sent to trial before the Larnaca permanent criminal court on Wednesday over a violent clash involving gunfire in the city centre earlier this month, while police continue to search for additional suspects believed to have fled abroad.

The court set the trial date for March 16.

Those referred to trial are a 48-year-old Cypriot and four foreign nationals, aged between 20 and 32.

Police describe the 48-year-old as the alleged leader of the criminal group.

All five face a series of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession of a firearm, extortion, participation in a criminal syndicate and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Three more foreign nationals, aged 26, 27 and 35, are also wanted in connection with the same case.

Investigators told the court there is information suggesting they have left Cyprus.

According to police allegations, the incident stemmed from demands for protection money made to a businessman operating premises on Gregori Afxentiou avenue.

The group is said to have initially demanded €7,000, followed by a monthly payment of €1,000.

The complainant told investigators he was first contacted by phone by a man who asked him for money and later issued threats.

On the morning of January 17, the same individual allegedly went to the premises and threatened him with a knife.

When the businessman refused, police say he was assaulted.

He and three others reacted, using an axe and metal bars, during a confrontation in which two shots were fired outside Larnaca police station.

A pistol was allegedly in the possession of a member of the 48-year-old’s group.

Two of the accused, the 48-year-old and one of the 26-year-olds, are also facing separate charges over an earlier incident in Pyla.

That case regards the beating of a 39-year-old at around 4am on the same day, hours before the later events in Larnaca.

They are charged with causing actual bodily harm, threats and possession of a weapon.

A 27-year-old is also wanted in relation to that incident.

As part of the wider investigation, Larnaca criminal investigative department (CID) also arrested two businessmen aged 47 and 43 on suspicion of interfering with judicial proceedings.

Police allege the pair met the complainant and attempted to influence his testimony. They were referred to trial on those charges and released under conditions.

The prosecution requested that all five defendants in the main case remain in custody until their appearance before the criminal court.

Detention proceedings are continuing before the district court after defence lawyers objected to their continued remand.