Two Schoolgirls Injured in Knife Attack in France: Suspect Apprehended

An assailant attacked two young girls, aged six and 11, with a knife near a school in eastern France, leaving them wounded, according to local officials.

An 11-year-old girl was stabbed outside a school in Souffelweyersheim, a town near Strasbourg. A younger victim was attacked nearby by the same perpetrator.

Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, managing to arrest the suspect, a man in his late 20s, near where he assaulted the second girl.

Reports indicate that he was no longer in possession of the knife and did not resist arrest.

Despite the severity of the situation, both girls sustained only superficial wounds, as confirmed by police. Authorities noted that the attacker did not seem to have any known ties to extremist groups and was not previously on the radar of security services, raising questions about the motive behind the attack.

The two injured girls are currently receiving treatment at a pediatric hospital as they recover from their injuries. Meanwhile, parents anxiously awaited updates on the safety of their children, who were confined to the school premises immediately after the attack.

Later in the afternoon, parents were granted permission to pick up their children, offering relief amid the tense situation.

The attack coincided with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s announcement of new measures aimed at addressing violence among schoolchildren. However, there is no indication yet of any connection between the attacker and the school.

A concerned parent, Sarah, shared her fear and uncertainty during a recent ordeal. She expressed her relief upon receiving news that her children were safe, but she remains anxious about their eventual release. Sarah recounted receiving a call from a friend who witnessed the commotion outside the school, which highlighted the community’s concern and vigilance during such alarming events.

Source: © AFP 2024