…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
In a shocking incident at a lakeside park in Annecy, France, a British girl was one of four children who were stabbed, along with two adults, by a 31-year-old Syrian man.
The attacker targeted the group, consisting of children aged between 22 months and three years, while they were on holiday in the area.
The suspect had attempted to claim asylum in France, but his request was rejected as he had already been granted asylum in Sweden a decade ago.
The three-year-old British girl was taken to a hospital in Grenoble, located approximately an hour-and-a-half away from Annecy.
French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to the Alps to meet with the affected families and witnesses, offering support and expressing solidarity.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne confirmed that all four children underwent surgery and are currently in stable condition under constant medical surveillance.
The suspect’s custody has been extended, as confirmed by the public prosecutor of Annecy.
Tearful well-wishers have visited the playground where the attack took place, leaving flowers and messages of support.
A British mother shared her anguish, stating that her son had expressed a desire to visit the park on the day of the attack, emphasizing its significance as a local treasure.
The suspect had obtained permanent residency in Sweden in 2013, and although he had sought Swedish citizenship in subsequent years, his requests were denied.
He then applied for asylum in Switzerland, Italy, and France, despite already having asylum status in Sweden for the past decade.
While the attacker’s motives remain unclear, local authorities have stated that terrorism does not appear to be a factor.
Disturbing footage of the incident shows the attacker wielding a knife, shouting phrases such as “in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Witnesses described the horrifying scene as the assailant repeatedly stabbed a child in a pushchair, while onlookers pleaded for help.
The French Prime Minister, Ms. Borne, confirmed that the suspect had no prior criminal or psychiatric record and seems to have acted alone.
The severity of the injuries sustained by the young victims has deeply shaken the community of Annecy.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences and solidarity, describing the attack as “unfathomable” and offering any assistance necessary.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the attacker’s motives and provide support to the affected families during this traumatic time.