Multiple suspects arrested after over 100 people stabbed with needles at popular festival
Multiple suspects have been arrested in France after 145 people were reportedly pricked with syringes during an annual music festival.
What is the Fête de la Musique?
All over France, millions took to the streets for the yearly Fête de la Musique, which translates to 'celebration of music', on 21 June.
The street parties welcomed 'unprecedented crowds' across venues, parks and street corners. However, it's been reported that women attending the festival were receiving threats prior.
Who was targeted during the Fête de la Musique?
Threats were made to women on social media, with the interior ministry later confirming that 145 people, mostly teenage girls, were pricked with syringes.
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Le Monde reports that 'more than 370 people were detained during the festival on various charges' nationwide, 'including nearly 90 people in Paris'.
Fourteen festival goers were seriously injured, including 'a 17-year-old who was hospitalised after being found sitting on the street with stab wounds to the lower abdomen', according to the outlet.
Thirteen members of the police force were also injured.
François Grosdidier, the mayor of Metz, said the first attack in his city was reported to police at 9:15pm on the Rue du Palais in northeastern France.
“The municipal police identified him on Rue Serpenoise, arrested him, and made him available to the National Police and the Justice Department,” he said.
“I hope that the investigation, particularly through the examination of his cellphone, will lead to the identification of other attackers.”
Grosdidier also noted that one individual was arrested for 'slapping a young girl'.
The politician said authorities were across a 'few brawls' in the evening and 'also intervened to save a dog in crisis'. He said the animal was 'locked in a car'.
In Paris, it has been reported that at least three people, including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old male, were stabbed in three different locations in Paris.
Twelve individuals are suspected to be responsible for the stabbings, and have been arrested. A police source also said that they are believed to have targeted around 50 victims.
What was in the syringes?
Police did not say if the syringes were filled with date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB, used by predators to make women vulnerable to sexual assault.
The ministry did however note that 'some victims were taken to hospital for toxicological tests'.
"Report of a syringe attacker was given to CSU for footage, as well as national and municipal police," Mayor Grosdidier added.
LADbible Group has contacted The French National Police for comment.
Topics: World News, Travel, Crime, Music
Anish Vij