French police on Friday arrested a man suspected of carrying out a series of stabbings on the Paris metro, targeting three women as the city bustled with end-of-year celebrations.
The attacks took place at three separate points along Line 3, which cuts across central Paris, according to the RATP transit authority cited by AFP. The incidents occurred between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm at Rpublique and Arts-et-Mtiers stations near the Marais district, and later at Opra station.
RATP said emergency services responded swiftly and that the victims were promptly attended to at each location.
Paris police said two of the injured women were treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital, though neither was in a critical condition. A third woman later went to a hospital on her own to receive treatment.
Prosecutors said investigators relied on surveillance camera footage and mobile phone tracking to trace the suspect, a 25-year-old man, to the Val-d’Oise region north of Paris. “Activating the geolocation of his mobile phone led to his arrest later in the afternoon in Val-d’Oise,” they said.
Police said officers remained deployed on the metro line and additional security teams were sent in to strengthen safety for passengers.
MAXIMUM ALERT
Paris police chief Patrice Faure praised what he called the speed and mobilisation of investigators, saying their work led to the suspect’s arrest at 6:55 pm, less than three hours after the first attack.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also commended the various police units involved in tracking down the suspect. Transport police have since opened an investigation into attempted homicide and assault with a weapon.
Authorities across Europe remain on heightened alert during the end-of-year period, when large crowds gather for festive and religious events and the risk of violent incidents is considered higher.
Last week, Nunez urged “maximum vigilance” in a message to senior officials, citing a very high terrorist threat level and the risk of public disorder. He called for strengthened security measures nationwide, with a visible and deterrent police presence, and asked for particular attention to be paid to safety on public transport.
– Ends
With inputs from AFP
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