A man attacked in Hradec Králové with a cleaver

What happened

- In the afternoon a man was reported at the shopping centre who was moving on the upper floor with a cleaver or knife and attacked customers.
- A man and a woman were injured; the man suffered a serious stab or slash wound, the woman escaped with minor injuries, and both were taken into the care of paramedics.

Police response and evacuation

- Patrols, a tactical unit and paramedics immediately headed to the scene, the shopping centre was closed and visitors were evacuated to safety.

- The police urged the public to follow the instructions of officers around the centre and the hospital and not to spread unverified information about the course of the attack.

Apprehension of the attacker

- After an intensive search, police tracked down and detained the attacker at the University Hospital Hradec Králové, where he had gone after the incident.
- According to current information, the police have no indications that any further immediate danger to the public exists; criminal investigators are now securing evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Investigation and next steps

- Criminal investigators are examining the motive for the attack and whether it was a premeditated act or a sudden violent outburst, and are securing CCTV footage from the shopping centre.
- The initiation of criminal prosecution for a violent offence is expected; authorities say more detailed information about the perpetrator and the victims' medical condition will be released only after all findings have been evaluated.