Two suspects have been arrested following the attack which has left six people injured in Antwerp, Belgium – with two victims in a critical condition in hospital
20:24, 22 Jan 2026Updated 23:03, 22 Jan 2026
Police at the scene in Antwerp following a mass stabbing(Image: )
Six people have been left injured with two in a critical condition following a knife attack at a major tourist hotspot.
The horror unfolded in Antwerp, Belgium, during a pro-Kurdish demonstration near the busy square of Operaplein. Police arrested two suspects minutes after the attack. A spokesperson said: “Four people were injured this evening on Operaplein. All suffered stab wounds.
“They were all stabbed, and two victims are currently in critical condition. Medical services arrived with several teams to provide first aid. Two suspects have been arrested.”
Four of the six injured people were found on Operaplein. A fifth and sixth victim were discovered in the vicinity of Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat, local reports suggest.
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Images taken in the city show police officers forcing a suspect to the ground, before completing an arrest. Around 50 protesters were present at the rally, with police already on site. Witnesses said the protest had been peaceful for most of the evening.
One said: “People were running in every direction; it was pure chaos.” Another claimed a group passing by suddenly pulled out knives and began stabbing people sitting on the steps of the building.
The attack happened as the demonstration was drawing to a close at around 7.30pm.
A video take from a building nearby shows emergency services racing to the scene and terrified locals scream. Another clip on social media shows a victim being given medical treatment on the ground.
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Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp Police Zone, told DeMorgen that cops were able to apprehend the two suspects who had mingled with the demonstrators. Kurdish and PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) flags were being waved during the demonstration.
A police investigation has been launched, with forensic officers at the square. Police have urged people to leave the area and not to remain at Operaplein.