Cyprus

Arrests after RAF base targeted in demo

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At least five people have been injured and two arrested during a protest against the presence of British military bases in Cyprus.

Reports say fighting broke out between Cypriot demonstrators and police guarding RAF Akrotiri.

According to a spokesperson for the bases, four civilian police officers employed to guard the bases were injured as well as a television cameraman. He was injured as demonstrators threw rocks and sticks at the entrance to the tightly-guarded compound.

Britain has held sovereignty over two bases since Cyprus gained independence from London in 1960.

The existence of British bases is regarded by many Cypriots as an unwelcome colonial remnant, though protests against their continued presence have waned in recent years.

Protests against the presence of the bases are normally peaceful, but they have degenerated into violence in the past.

Last month British Defence Minister Philip Hammond confirmed what he described as London's "enduring commitment" to the bases, saying they had proved their worth during air operations in Libya and as a logistic hub for activities in Afghanistan.

The RAF base at Akrotiri plus the Army barracks at Dhekelia in the east together cover around three percent of the total landmass of the island of Cyprus.