Four men were involved in a violent altercation in one of Budapest’s outer districts, during which firearms and knives were reportedly used. Several individuals were taken to hospital following the incident.
Bladed weapons produced and shots fired in Budapest
According to a police statement issued yesterday, multiple units were dispatched shortly after 5pm to a street in Csepel to break up a fight involving four men. During the confrontation, various bladed weapons were used, and police reports indicate that several shots were fired from a rubber-bullet gun.
Four men were transported to hospital from the scene, although police have not disclosed their condition. However, Hungary’s National Ambulance Service told Telex that two of the men sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered less severe wounds.
“Evidence gathering, crime scene examination, and clarification of the circumstances are ongoing,” police said in a statement. The investigation is being conducted on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and an increased police presence remained at the scene yesterday.
Life-threatening injuries
According to the local news outlet Csepel.info, the altercation involved members of two families on Szent Imre Square, the district’s central square. Another local source suggested the clash was between two gangs, one of which ultimately fled the scene.
The outlet also reported, citing Budapest Police Headquarters’ Homicide Unit, that a 23-year-old man identified as Róbert B. was questioned on suspicion of attempted murder against multiple victims. A 22-year-old, Géza B., was questioned on suspicion of armed affray committed in a group, while a 24-year-old, Gábor B., was questioned as an accomplice on similar charges. All three have been taken into custody.
Two other men, aged 31 and 28, sustained injuries requiring more than eight days to heal and are currently receiving hospital treatment; their questioning is ongoing, police said.
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Local council backs police presence
In a notable coincidence, the district’s police chief had presented his annual report to the Csepel council assembly just yesterday, stating—according to a live broadcast—that “offline” crime in the area had been significantly reduced, with all known thieves apprehended. However, he noted that online fraud and cybercrime are on the rise, in line with national trends.
The Csepel local authority has allocated a substantial sum—approximately 110 million forints—to support an increased police presence in public spaces. The police chief added that the force is not facing staffing shortages.
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