Violent Attacks in Nantes: A Community in Fear
Residents of the Malakoff and Clos-Toreau districts in Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, have been living in fear since July 2024 due to a series of violent attacks perpetrated by a gang of teenagers. The situation escalated over several months, leading to a significant police investigation that culminated in the arrest of five individuals aged between 14 and 18 on November 12, 2024. The public prosecutor of Nantes, Renaud Gaudeul, confirmed the arrests and detailed the nature of the crimes committed.
Between July 25 and October 14, 2024, the gang was linked to at least eight violent incidents, many involving knives and resulting in serious injuries. The first incident occurred on July 25, when a resident was stabbed in the forehead after confronting three individuals inhaling nitrous oxide outside his home. Subsequent attacks included a minor being chased and stabbed on August 25, and another teenager suffering multiple stab wounds on August 28. The violence continued with a kidnapping on September 3, where a minor was assaulted and robbed before managing to escape.
A Pattern of Violence and Theft
The attacks often targeted minors and were characterized by their brutality and the use of weapons, including a large Opinel knife and mallets. Investigators noted a disturbing pattern, with many incidents occurring near bus stations and involving groups of attackers. On September 27, a young girl was assaulted and robbed while waiting for her bus, and on October 6, a delivery man was stabbed during a delivery. The most recent attack on October 14 involved a minor being attacked by five individuals wielding knives and mallets, resulting in multiple injuries.
Following the arrests, the Nantes prosecutor's office launched a judicial investigation into charges including violence with a weapon, aggravated violence, kidnapping, and robbery by an organized gang. Three of the suspects, including the adult, were placed in pre-trial detention, while the two younger individuals were placed under judicial supervision. Prosecutor Gaudeul emphasized the need for significant investigative resources due to the severity of the crimes and the disruption they caused to public order in the affected neighborhoods. Authorities are continuing to seek additional suspects linked to these violent acts.
