Authorities are close to identifying the perpetrators who carried out the three arson attacks using gas canisters on the homes of New Democracy officials in Thessaloniki, in which the mother of politician Aphrodite Nestora lost her life, the Counterterrorism Service is on the case.

According to reports, analysis of the video footage indicates that two motorcycles were used in the attacks and at least three people were involved, though it cannot be ruled out that the total number of those involved was higher.

SEE ALSO: Aphrodite Nestora’s mother has died

Authorities believe the suspects are operating in Thessaloniki, as no evidence has emerged so far to suggest they traveled from other parts of the country.

Police believe that one motorcycle served as a surveillance team, moving ahead to check for a police presence or any other obstacles, while the second carried the perpetrators who approached the targets and placed the improvised incendiary devices.

SEE ALSO: Gas canister attacks on the homes of three New Democracy officials in Thessaloniki (PHOTOS)

In the security footage that has been gathered, the perpetrators are seen wearing helmets and hoods, making it difficult to identify them. However, the Counterterrorism Unit is analyzing the available footage frame by frame, looking for movements, routes, and other clues that could lead to their identification.

According to the same sources, investigators believe that the selection of targets was highly deliberate. All three attacks targeted New Democracy officials who were not under police protection, a fact that reinforces the assessment that surveillance and intelligence gathering had taken place prior to the attacks.

Following the death of the mother of New Democracy politician Aphrodite Nestora, the case is now being treated as particularly serious, with charges being filed for premeditated murder. Authorities also believe it is extremely unlikely that anyone will claim responsibility for the attacks, as the fatal outcome completely changes the nature of the case.

At the same time, great importance is placed on the findings of the forensic laboratories. Experts are examining the remains of the incendiary devices, believing that fingerprints or genetic material (DNA) may have been preserved, which could provide the crucial evidence needed to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Source: Protothema.gr