World Music Day: At least ten young girls victims of syringe attacks at major French music festival
Authorities in France have launched an investigation after around ten girls were allegedly pricked with a syringe during a major music festival in Metz, France.
The disturbing incidents occurred on Friday night as tens of thousands gathered in the city centre to celebrate World Music Day, according to French newspaper Le Parisien.
The victims, most of whom are believed to be minors, were reportedly attacked between two popular locations — Place de la République and Place Saint-Jacques — around 10pm.
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A man has since been arrested and is being questioned by police in connection with the attacks.
With crowds estimated at 50,000, Mayor Grosdidier described the city centre as “packed,” noting that celebrations continued into the night amid warm weather.
Police maintained a strong presence throughout the area in the aftermath of the incident.
The syringe attacks come amid a string of violent events across France involving young people, The Sun reported.
Earlier this week, a 15-year-old student allegedly launched a knife attack at a school in Nantes, killing a fellow student and injuring three others.
The suspect, reportedly dressed in black and wearing a balaclava, was said to have demanded officers “shoot me in the head” before being taken into custody.
French media have identified the suspect as Justin P.
Reports suggest that just hours before the stabbing, an anonymous email was circulated at the school referring to a “revolt,” with mentions of environmental concerns.
The tragedy follows another fatal school stabbing last week, when a 14-year-old student allegedly killed a 31-year-old teaching assistant during a bag search outside Françoise Dolto school in north-eastern France.
The victim, identified as Melanie G., was a mother of a four-year-old boy and was remembered by locals as “adorable” and “caring.”
French authorities have not confirmed whether the recent incidents are linked, but all remain under investigation.
