Five Killed in Gangland Ambush at Cyprus Resort

Three Cypriots and two Romanians -- all private security guards for a local businessman -- were shot dead in a mafia-style ambush in the tourist resort of Ayia Napa on Saturday, police said.

It is believed to be one of the worst gangland incidents of its kind on the Mediterranean island and unfolded near the resort's popular main square.

Police said the shooting took place at 3:30 am (00:30 GMT) when five people travelling in a car were fired on by unknown assailants, causing it to crash into a parked vehicle.

State broadcaster CyBC said four of the five died instantly when they received gunshots to the head and chest, while the other died on the way to hospital.

CyBC said the only witness to the cold-blooded killings was a British tourist, who was being questioned by police.

Apparently, he saw a motorbike following the car at the time of the shooting.

Media reports said the police believe the attack was a "settling of scores" related to underworld crime.

A large number of bullet casings were found at the scene.

In the past, killings related to gangland feuds were not uncommon in Cyprus but, in recent years, it was felt that police had been successful in marginalizing such violence.

Ayia Napa is probably the island's best-known resort and is popular with young British and Russian clubbers and sun-seekers.