Intense Manhunt Underway for Five Gunmen in British Tourist Destination After Double Shooting in Village

Table of Contents

1. Massive Manhunt in Crete
2. Police Operation Details
3. Background of the Incident
4. History of the Feud
5. Community Response

A large-scale manhunt is currently underway in a renowned British holiday destination following the tragic shooting that left two individuals dead and at least ten others injured.

Authorities believe that at least five armed suspects are on the run, seeking refuge in the mountains, canyons, and fields surrounding Vorizia, a small village in Crete.

Two individuals were fatally shot and ten others injured in Crete, prompting a significant manhuntCredit: Reuters Police are actively searching for at least five armed suspects in the mountains near VoriziaCredit: Reuters

This operation is one of the largest in recent years, involving elite police units and prosecutors coordinating searches across challenging terrain.

Since dawn, heavily armed special forces have cordoned off the Greek village, blocking roads and inspecting every vehicle entering or leaving the area.

Residents described armed officers in full-face masks and bulletproof vests to local outlet Protothema : “They scrutinize every car that passes by.”

The village is under complete lockdown, with locals expressing fear and anxiety about potential further violence.

Police are on high alert, allowing access only to residents.

Investigators indicate that house-to-house searches may be conducted under the supervision of a prosecutor as the search for weapons and suspects escalates.

The violence erupted during a dispute at a residence belonging to one family, reigniting a longstanding feud between two local clans.

Hours later, gunfire erupted between family members, resulting in the deaths of a 39-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman.

Initial reports suggested that the woman died from a heart attack during the altercation, but a forensic examination later confirmed she had been shot.

“The 56-year-old suffered a gunshot wound from the right side, which penetrated her lungs and exited through her spine,” a relative informed Protothema, noting that the autopsy confirmed a gunshot wound rather than natural causes.

Authorities report that the shooters were armed with AK-47s and shotguns, firing multiple rounds before fleeing into a nearby ravine.

Two men have been arrested—both connected to the rival families—while others are believed to be hiding in the surrounding area.

The funerals for both victims have been postponed for security reasons due to fears of further violence.

The violence is tied to an ongoing feud between two local familiesCredit: Reuters Schools in Vorizia and Zaros are closed as authorities fear further violenceCredit: Reuters

The head of the Hellenic Police and the regional prosecutor, both wearing bulletproof vests, are actively overseeing the operations on the ground.

Schools in Vorizia and nearby Zaros will remain closed until Tuesday.

Child psychologists and social workers will be deployed to assist traumatized students once normalcy is restored.

The underlying violence stems from a feud that has persisted for years, related to disputes over grazing land and construction issues.

Locals report that attempts at reconciliation have repeatedly failed.

Crete has a long history of family feuds and illegal gun ownership, with firearms often utilized in both celebrations and conflicts.