Two asylum seekers were wounded after a fierce argument ended in a stabbing at the recreation park Parelstrand in Lommel (Limburg) on Monday night. A 26-year-old man was seriously injured. A 27-year-old man sustained minor injuries. Three people were arrested. The 27-year-old who was injured appears before an investigating judge today.
"On Monday around 6pm, a discussion between residents from the Lommel and Pelt asylum centres degenerated into a brawl," said Pieter Strauven of the Limburg public prosecutor's office, who suggested sharp instruments had been used.
The incident took place at the Parelstrand estate in Lommel. The asylum centre is also located there. 2 people were injured. A 27-year-old man from the Pelt asylum centre was slightly hurt. A 26-year-old man from the Lommel asylum centre was transferred to hospital severely wounded, but out of danger.
Motive subject of investigation
3 people, including the 2 injured, were arrested. After they were questioned, an investigating judge was appointed to examine charges of attempted manslaughter. Only the 27-year-old suspect from the Pelt asylum centre will be arraigned before the investigating judge.
Prosecutors and the police remained in the dark Tuesday as to the exact nature of the incident. Prosecutor Strauven: "The investigation by the Lommel police is still in full swing. We don't yet know what the motive was. That should become clear in the course of the investigation."
Last week, some 20 asylum seekers were involved in a brawl in Lommel. The public prosecutor stressed that there was no link to these events. Those involved then were of Afghan origin, which is not the case now. Then 9 people were arrested. The incident claimed 4 victims, 2 of which were left fighting for their lives.