Thursday July 25, 2024
Police officers investigate the scene of a fatal assault in The Hague's Plein area, where a 23-year-old Somali asylum seeker was beaten to death. Authorities are searching for eight suspects involved in the incident. © ANP
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (HOL) — A 23-year-old Somali man was beaten to death early Sunday morning in The Hague's Plein area. Police are searching for eight men suspected of involvement in the assault, confirmed the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA).
Emergency services received the first report of the attack at 12:50 a.m. on Sunday. Responders found the severely injured man at the scene and transported him to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries that morning.
Police are looking for eight men with lightly tanned skin, aged between 18 and 35. Investigators believe the Somali man and a friend were walking along Lange Poten when an argument broke out with the suspects. The dispute led to the fatal assault in the Plein area, known for its busy dining establishments.
Authorities are still piecing together the details of the incident. "We are investigating how the argument began and the nature of the violence used," a police spokesperson told RTL Nieuws. A large-scale investigation team has been set up, and police are exploring multiple scenarios. They have asked witnesses and those with relevant video footage from doorbell cameras, dashcams, or security cameras to come forward.
A COA spokesperson revealed that the victim had been living at the Heerhugowaard asylum center since January. "He had previously stayed at other COA locations and had been in the Netherlands for about three years. His death has shocked many people both inside and outside the asylum center. He had friends and acquaintances beyond the center as well."
The COA is planning a memorial service to honour the victim. "The date and location are still to be determined," the spokesperson said. "It's also challenging because the victim's family remains in Somalia. We are in contact with them, but communication is difficult."
The police have urged anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward as they continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack.