Disgruntled diners at a taverna in Cyprus opened fire with a shotgun and doused the room in petrol, threatening to torch it after a dispute with the owner over the bill.

Three men had quarelled over a 93 euro ($120) charge for drinks and food at the restaurant in Mesana village, in the west of the Mediterranean island, on Sunday night. They offered to pay 50 euros instead.

Two of them left, only to return with a can of petrol and a shotgun, police said.

Shots were fired at the restaurant owner but he was not hit. One man then emptied the petrol over the room and said the other patrons would be burned alive. Police arrived in time to stop him.

Two men were being questioned on Monday and a third who fled was being sought, police said.