Greek police are searching rugged mountain areas on Crete for three men wanted in connection with a deadly shootout that erupted in the village of Vorizia, near Heraklion. The incident, rooted in a long-standing family feud, has left the island on edge.

Authorities believe the fugitives — aged 19, 25 and 29 — may be hiding in the Psiloritis mountain range and nearby gorges. According to reports, some have contacted relatives to confirm they are alive. The 19-year-old is said to be serving in the army.

Six people involved, two arrested

Police have confirmed that six people were involved in Saturday’s gun battle, which claimed the life of a 39-year-old father of five and a 57-year-old woman from another family. Two injured suspects remain under guard in hospital and have been charged with murder and attempted murder.

A massive manhunt is underway for the remaining three suspects, while security forces have sealed off the area amid fears of retaliation. The 39-year-old victim’s funeral, scheduled for Monday afternoon, has prompted an increased police presence to prevent further violence.

A vendetta reignited

Investigators are working to determine how the confrontation began. Early reports suggest that an explosive device placed at a construction site linked to one family triggered the violence. When relatives from the opposing side retaliated with gunfire, fighting spread through the village.

According to witnesses, the 39-year-old encountered two men from the rival family at the village entrance, sparking the deadly exchange. Police officers were already in Vorizia at the time, conducting a follow-up inspection related to the earlier explosion.

Police response under scrutiny

The incident has raised questions about police preparedness, as local forces had been aware of tensions between the two families and had stationed a patrol in the area overnight. Critics argue that additional measures should have been taken to prevent an escalation.

Residents told local media that “the atmosphere had been tense for days,” describing the area as “ready to explode.”

Third family under investigation

Authorities are also examining the involvement of a third family, reportedly allied with one of the two main sides and linked to another injured participant. Police fear this new element could further complicate the feud, which has already drawn national attention.

Firearms seized, new arrests made

Police announced the results of an extensive operation in Vorizia, which included raids on ten homes. Officers recovered a military rifle, two shotguns (one without a serial number), 145 cartridges, and nine knives.

A 54-year-old man was arrested and another person detained for questioning. The case file, which includes charges of murder, illegal weapons possession, property damage, and explosion, has been submitted to the prosecutor’s office.

Mourning and fear in the village

On Sunday evening, the body of the 39-year-old victim was brought back to his home village, where relatives broke down in tears as his coffin arrived. In a private ceremony, three of his children — previously unbaptized — were christened, one taking the name of their late father.

Local authorities remain on high alert, with Vorizia effectively under lockdown. Police say they will stay in the area “until residents feel safe again,” as Crete braces for possible reprisals in one of the island’s bloodiest family disputes in recent years.