Liège downtown erupts with vandalism as police deploy federal units
Severe disturbances broke out in Liège city centre on Wednesday afternoon, with shops smashed, fires set and a vehicle torched, prompting a large police response.
At 16:45 on Wednesday, violent incidents erupted in the heart of Liège, with vandals attacking numerous shops, shattering displays, lighting several fires and burning a vehicle. Law-enforcement officers were pelted with stones, paving stones and fireworks, prompting the city to broadcast a BE-Alert that advised retailers to shut down. The unrest forced the temporary closure of Guillemins railway station and a complete suspension of tram services in the central district.
Federal police forces, supported by units from Brussels and Antwerp, were mobilised alongside the local police. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described the events as extremely serious and announced additional reinforcements in the coming days, stating that identified perpetrators will be brought before the courts.
Why it matters
The unrest threatens public safety and disrupts commerce and transport in Liège, prompting a national security response.
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