Two police motorcycle officers have been attacked in the East Flemish city of Aalst. The incident happened on the Sinte Annelaan. The police officers stopped a bicycle as it was carrying a passenger on its luggage rack. The situation became heated and the officers were attacked. The East Flemish Prosecutor’s Office reports that 2 suspects have been arrested.
The incident occurred during a stop-and-search of a person that was riding a bicycle on the Sinte Annalaan. The two officers noticed that the cyclist was carrying someone on their luggage rack. One of the officers then stopped the individual and asked them for their identity card. A physical altercation ensued.
One police officer was pushed to the ground and kicked in the abdomen. The other was punched in the face. The suspects then fled, but were soon apprehended.
One of the two suspects once again attempted to resist arrest. The cyclist tested positive for drugs.
The 2 men appeared before an Examning Magistrate on Tuesday. It was decided that they should be remanded in custody. The suspects have been charged assault and battery against police officers and resisting arrest.
The two injured police officers were taken to hospital for treatment. They were able to leave the hospital the same day but will be on sick leave for at least two weeks. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
The Mayor of Aalst, Christoph D'Haese (nationalist) said he is deeply shocked by the incident.