The youths are alleged to have thrown firecrackers on open ground, setting dry vegetation alight; their parents have also been arrested for failing to supervise minors.

The minors were arrested over a fire that broke out on Friday afternoon on open ground on the outskirts of Psychiko, an affluent suburb of northern Athens, near Veikou Grove and the area of Galatsi, another Athens suburb.

The Fire Service’s Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) immediately launched a preliminary investigation into the case, carrying out an on-site inspection, gathering evidence and taking statements in order to establish the exact causes of the fire and circumstances behind the fire.

The DAEE’s investigation uncovered evidence allegedly linking three minors to the incident. According to information gathered so far, the three youths threw firecrackers, setting the dry vegetation alight and sparking the blaze.

The minors were arrested under Greece’s in-flagrante-delicto procedure, which allows for immediate arrest when a crime is witnessed as it happens. Their parents were also arrested in connection with the same case, facing charges of failing to supervise minors.

During questioning by the relevant authorities, the three minors reportedly admitted their involvement in causing the fire and described their actions in the lead-up to it. According to sources close to the preliminary investigation, they also expressed remorse for the incident and its consequences.

Those arrested are expected to be brought before the relevant prosecutorial authorities, along with the evidence gathered during the investigation, so that the prescribed legal procedures can be followed.