6 people were injured after they were stabbed on the Operaplein in the centre of Antwerp on Thursday evening. 2 of those injured were taken to hospital in a critical condition. However, their condition is now no longer life-threatening. 4 suspects were arrested shortly after the stabbing. Their homes have been searched and all 4 have been questioned.
The stabbing happened on Antwerp’s Operaplein where a pro-Kurdish demonstration was taking place. 4 of the six people injured were found on the Operaplein, the other 2 were found nearby. The emergency services responded in numbers and provided first aid at the scene and transported the victims to hospital.
Between 200 and 300 people were at the demonstration that had started off peacefully. Those taking part waved Kurdish flags and flags of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that is on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations. Shortly after the demonstration ended at around 7.20 pm things became violent.
Speaking on Friday morning, the Antwerp Police spokesman Wouter Bruyns said that officers had searched the homes of 4 suspects. He would not disclose what if anything had been found. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbings. Forensics officers have visited the scene to gather evidence, and the police have viewed CCTV footage from the area where the stabbing took place.
"In addition to this we have seen that a lot films are doing the rounds on social media. We will certainly look at these”. The police will also talk to witnesses and the victims", Mr Bruyns said. The area around the incident remained cordoned off until 1am on Friday.