Belgian soldiers arrested in Norway after violent brawl
Four Belgian soldiers were arrested this weekend after a violent altercation in the Norwegian town of Åndalsnes. The soldiers were in Norway as part of a winter training exercise, writes Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
Details of the incident remain scarce, but reports suggest that the fight took place late on Saturday night and spilled out into the streets of Åndalsnes. One local resident was hospitalised as a result of the altercation, and police have not ruled out the possibility of further victims. The Norwegian authorities, together with the Belgian military police and the Norwegian armed forces, are currently investigating the matter.
According to Norwegian newspaper VG and public broadcaster NRK, the fight took place outside the Nabo'n pub in Åndalsnes, with eyewitnesses describing a chaotic scene after closing time. Jovie Nerland, the owner of the pub, told media that the situation quickly escalated into a confrontation involving around 20 to 30 people, Flemish public broadcaster VRT NWS reports.
Norwegian police have urged the public not to share videos of the incident on social media platforms, instead encouraging people to contact the authorities directly.
A spokesman for the Belgian ministry of Defence confirmed the arrest of the soldiers, who are expected to be questioned about their involvement. Further details of the incident have been withheld in order not to interfere with the ongoing investigation, writes VRT NWS.
© BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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