6 hours ago
Last Updated:June 24, 2025, 20:47 IST
The attacks were reported in several cities including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nantes. In Paris alone, 13 cases were recorded
News18
French police have arrested twelve suspects after 145 people, mostly women, reported being pricked with syringes during the country’s annual Fête de la Musique street festival on Saturday.
Millions of people took to the streets across France for the Fête de la Musique, with authorities calling “unprecedented crowds" in Paris. Video footage from the scene showed chaos as large crowds were seen running in panic.
The attacks were reported in several cities including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nantes. In Paris alone, 13 cases were recorded.
According to police, the victims were mainly pricked in the arm, leg, or buttocks and some were hospitalised for toxicology screening.
Meanwhile, the police are investigating whether drugs or toxins were injected. Officials have not yet confirmed if these incidents involved date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB, which can cause confusion or unconsciousness.
Before the festival, social media posts had warned that women might be targeted during the celebrations. Among the suspects arrested, four were detained in Angoulême in southwestern France, where they are believed to have targeted around 50 victims.
In Paris, police have opened investigations after three people – including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man – reported being pricked in separate incidents. All three said they felt unwell afterwards.
Among the 12 suspects arrested across France, four were detained in the southwestern city of Angoulême. Police say these suspects may have targeted about 50 victims.
Apart from those arrested in connection to the syringe attacks, more than 370 people were detained during the festival for various offences, including nearly 90 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. Thirteen police officers were also hurt during the events.
The prefect of Paris police, Laurent Nunez, said that “no major incident has been reported" despite the chaos.
(With inputs from AFP)
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First Published:News world France's Music Festival Turns Chaotic As Attendees Report Bizarre Syringe Attacks | Video
