Dhekelia, Cyprus. The father of two young boys found dead inside a car in the Dhekelia British bases area is due to appear before a court on the bases on Thursday. His partner, who had also been detained in connection with the case, was released unconditionally on Wednesday.
Court appearance scheduled
In a statement issued on Wednesday, police on the bases said the children’s father is scheduled to appear before the court sitting at Dhekelia at noon on July 2. The stepmother, who had also been detained in connection with the case, was released unconditionally earlier on Wednesday.
Investigation remains ongoing
“The SBA police can confirm that investigations into the tragic deaths of two children are ongoing,” the statement said.
Police said that, as enquiries remain active, they were unable to comment further on the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the cause of death. Authorities also said they were unable at this stage to provide information regarding the release of the children’s bodies or funeral arrangements.
“The SBA Police remain committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation and will provide further information when it is appropriate to do so,” the statement added.
Privacy request and earlier arrests
Police appealed for the privacy of the family and all those affected by the incident to be respected.
The children’s father and his partner were initially arrested on suspicion of negligence and appeared before the Dhekelia court earlier this week. Reports indicated that the children, aged eight and ten, had remained inside the vehicle, which was within the Dhekelia British base on Sunday, for several hours.
German experts assisting inquiries
German forensic and technical experts have been brought in to assist investigations into the deaths of the two boys found inside the BMW in Xylofagou. Authorities are examining whether an electronic locking system may have played a role in the incident.
The involvement of the specialists was confirmed on Tuesday as bases police continued inquiries into the deaths of the children.
