Farmer threatens to torch Thessaloniki PPC branch

A 48-year-old farmer was detained by police in Thessaloniki yesterday after threatening to set fire to a Public Power Corporation branch when staff refused to reconnect his electricity due to unpaid power bills.

The man visited the PPC branch in Katerini at around 1 p.m. and was told that he must pay 2,620 euros in outstanding debts before his power could be restored.

According to local reports, the 48-year-old returned 20 minutes later with a jerry can of gasoline which he tipped onto the floor inside the branch before threatening to set the fuel alight.

Officers of the motorcycle-riding DIAS squad were called to the scene and arrested the man before he could make good on his threat.