MAN, 82, DIES AFTER SUNLOUNGER FIGHT AT GREEK BEACH RESORT

Greek police are investigating the death of an 82-year-old man following a fight over a sunlounger at Vouliagmeni beach on the Athenian riviera near Athens, authorities said. The man arrived before 10am on Sunday hoping to secure a sunbed and began arguing with a 76-year-old man he did not know when it became clear loungers were in short supply, officials said. The row turned into a scuffle that reportedly drew in other bystanders, according to Greek state broadcaster ERT. The 82-year-old, who was with his wife, is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest during the fight, ERT reported. He was taken by ambulance to Asklepieion hospital in Voula and died at around 11am despite treatment, the broadcaster said. A postmortem was ordered immediately.

Police arrested the 76-year-old man and, initially, a 21-year-old woman who had been with him, according to reports. The beach resort's manager was also detained for questioning. A source described the fight as unprecedented, saying disagreements in Greece are usually expressed through shouting rather than physical violence, particularly between elderly men. Authorities said everyone involved would appear before a magistrate.

The case comes amid a cost of living crisis in Greece that has been linked to greater tension in social relations, including a reported rise in domestic violence, according to reports. It has also renewed criticism of private businesses that rent out sunloungers at high prices along prime stretches of coastline, given the sea's importance to national identity. Authorities have not said when the men and the woman arrested will appear before the magistrate. ERT said the investigation into the fight and the exact circumstances of the death continues.