Mass stabbing attack at protest in major European city leaves 6 injured after ‘group pulled out knives’ in ‘pure chaos’
SIX people were injured in a mass stabbing attack in Antwerp, with two victims fighting for their lives in hospital.
The frenzy happened at a protest near the busy square of Operaplein on Thursday evening.
Sign up for newsletter
Thank you!
Six people were injured in a stabbing attack in AntwerpCredit: Gazete Van Antwerpen
Two victims of the attack are currently in critical conditionCredit: Gazete Van Antwerpen
The stabbing unfolded during a Kurdish demonstration on Opera Square, where Kurdish and PKK flags were being waved.
Around 300 protesters were present – many of which were families with young children.
They had come together to protest against violence towards Kurds in Syria.
Fortunately, Police were already on site to monitor the gathering, which had been peaceful for most of the evening.
KNIFE RAMPAGE
Five children among nine dead in mass stabbing after knifeman storms homes
As the demonstration was drawing to a close at around 7.20pm, the situation suddenly escalated.
According to cops, this was when the stabbings took place, prompting officers to step in and administer first aid before ambulances arrived.
Images from the scene show police officers forcing a suspect to the ground during the arrest.
Police have since arrested four suspects as an investigation gets underway.
Four injured people were found on the square itself, while a fifth and sixth victim were discovered nearby at Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat.
A police spokesperson said in an update: “They were all stabbed, and two victims are currently in critical condition.”
Emergency services rushed to the scene in large numbers, with multiple medical teams providing first aid before transporting the injured to hospital.
“Four people were injured this evening on Operaplein. All suffered stab wounds,” confirmed police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns.
Initial reports suggest the suspects had mingled with protesters at a Kurdish demonstration that had been taking place on the square.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the violence unfolded outside the Opera House.
“People were running in every direction; it was pure chaos,” one witness said.
One person claimed a group passing by suddenly pulled out knives and began stabbing people sitting on the steps of the building.
Another said: “I saw the commotion from by window, but it was still scary.
“I saw one of the victims lying on the ground, receiving help from the paramedics. He could only move his arm weakly.”
Navbel – Belgian-Kurdish community organisation in Belgium – labelled the ordeal “an act of terror against Kurds”.
“We expect the Belgian police and judiciary to view and treat this act as such,” a statement read.
“This is no different from jihadists who specifically attack civilians in the streets, at Christmas markets, or other public places.
“The facts the victims are Kurds, a powerless and ignore people, should not lead the Belgian authorities to characterize this act differently.
“They must not conceal this.
“The Belgian government must acknowledge that Kurds, even in Antwerp, are victims of hate speech and racist and jihadist-inspired violence.”
According to the organisation, another demonstration had been scheduled for January 23 in Antwerp.
However, it has been cancelled out of respect for the victims.
Police have launched a full investigation, including forensic examinations, and are urging the public to avoid Operaplein and the surrounding area as inquiries continue.
This is breaking news. More to follow… please refresh for more updates and follow the-sun.com for the biggest stories of the day…
