A prisoner known for domestic violence was on temporary release due to prison overcrowding when he violently assaulted his (ex-)partner
A man on furlough from prison tried to set his (ex-)partner on fire in her home in Houthalen-Helchteren in Limburg province. Firefighters were called to the home on Kazernelaan yesterday afternoon, and soon cordoned the home off as a crime scene.
The woman is in critical condition in hospital. There were five children in the home, but they are unharmed. The suspect is still on the loose.
The public prosecutor confirmed that the man was on temporary leave from prison due to overcrowding. The reason for his imprisonment has not been released, but he is known to have been convincted in the past for domestic violence. In fact, police had visited the home yesterday morning, not long before the incident took place.
The children present were in shock and are receiving victims’ assistance. They are all currently staying with family.
A forensics team was called to the home, and the public prosecutor is investigating the incident as an attempted murder.