14-year-old stabbed in Zaventem park near school; 16-year-old suspect sought
A 16-year-old allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old in the back of the head in a Zaventem park near a school on Wednesday morning, and police are searching for the suspect.
A 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the Alex Feldheimpark in central Zaventem, Flemish Brabant, on Wednesday morning 28 October 2026. The attack happened before school hours, close to the secondary school Zavo.
According to the Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor's office, a 16-year-old allegedly stabbed the younger boy in the back of the head with a knife. The suspect fled immediately after the stabbing. Police are actively searching for the 16-year-old.
The victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the back of the head. He is not in life-threatening danger and has since been allowed to leave hospital, according to the reports by HLN and Het Nieuwsblad. The motive of the suspect is currently unclear.
School response
The management of Zavo sent a message to all parents and pupils on Wednesday. It said the incident is being closely followed up together with the CLB, the student guidance centre that supports pupils in Flemish schools, and the competent authorities.
The school said it offers support to pupils. Its youth coach, pupil guidance staff, management and the CLB will be available in the coming days to talk with pupils or give them emotional support.
Investigation
The Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor's office is handling the case. In Belgium, the prosecutor's office leads criminal investigations and decides on any legal action. Both the victim and the suspect are minors.
Original reporting
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How this article was made
BelgiumNow summarises reporting by Belgian media in English. This text was written with the help of AI from the facts in the reports listed above and checked automatically before publishing. For the full story, read the original reporting.