3 youths have been injured, 2 of whom seriously, after they were stabbed in the East Flemish city of Sint-Niklaas. 1 of the injured youths is in a critical condition. The incident reportedly started with an argument about money. The alleged assailant fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later.
At around 9pm on Thursday three minors and an 18-year-old man began arguing in a bar on the Schoolstraat in Sint-Niklaas. According to statements given to the police the argument was about 90 euro that the alleged assailant is said to have lent from one of the victims. The argument got out of hand as it continued outside in the street and ended with three youths being stabbed.
Passers-by found one of the victims on a path that leads to the Heilig Hart care home on the Schoolstraat. A second injured youth was found nearby. The police and paramedics were at the scene very quickly and the two youths and a third victim were given first aid.
Caroline Verschueren of the East Flemish prosecutor's office told VRT News that "The victims are 2 minors and 1 adult. One of the minors is still in a critical condition in hospital”
The 17-year-old suspect fled after the stabbing but has since been apprehended. "He was apprehended almost straight away and will appear before a juvenile magistrate during the course of the day."