Knife Attack at Elisabeth Park in Koekelberg Leaves One Injured

A person was injured in a knife attack on Saturday evening at Elisabeth Park in Koekelberg, Brussels, the Brussels West police zone confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred around 8 PM when a dispute broke out between two individuals at the park, according to RTBF.

The Incident

Police reported that during the altercation, one of the two individuals pulled out a knife and stabbed his opponent multiple times before fleeing the scene. The victim received first aid on site before being transported to hospital.

“A dispute broke out between two people Saturday evening around 8 PM at Elisabeth Park in Koekelberg,” the Brussels West police zone stated, as reported by DH. “During the fight, one of the two individuals pulled out a knife and stabbed his opponent several times. The attacker then fled.”

An investigation has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and to identify the suspect. No information has yet been released about the victim’s condition or the motive for the attack.

A Park Known for Security Concerns

The attack occurred at a location that has been formally identified as a drug hotspot by Brussels authorities. In February 2025, Elisabeth Park was designated as the 19th drug hotspot by the Brussels Regional Security Council, joining a list of sensitive locations known for drug-related violence, as BruxellesToday reported at the time.

The park, situated between Koekelberg and Ganshoren in the northwest of Brussels, has been known for problems related to drug consumption—including nitrous oxide and cannabis—and nighttime assaults. Residents have reported nuisances and insecurity, with some people being lured to the park through appointments before being isolated and robbed. Since early 2025, additional police patrols have been deployed in the park at night, and the municipality has considered installing surveillance cameras.

This is not the first knife attack at this location. In July 2025, a 15-year-old was stabbed in the thigh near Elisabeth Park at approximately 5 PM. The victim was transported to hospital and was not in danger of death, according to L’Avenir. The attacker or attackers fled in that incident as well.

Broader Security Context in Brussels

The latest attack comes against a backdrop of heightened violence in Brussels, particularly drug-related violence. In late August 2026, Brussels experienced a wave of shootings linked to drug trafficking, prompting authorities to declare a “national emergency” over the situation.

On August 26-27, Brussels authorities announced a series of measures to address the crisis, including 40 additional federal police officers, 20 mobile cameras, and the unification of anti-gang units—170 heavily equipped officers—under a single command, as RTL reported.

The Brussels West police zone, which covers Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Jette, Ganshoren, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and Koekelberg, has been particularly active in drug enforcement. The zone reported 475 drug-related judicial arrests in 2025 as part of its drug action plan, according to RTBF. The zone’s efforts have included significant seizures of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other substances, as well as weapons and cash.

The recent wave of shootings has led to a coordinated response across all levels of government. As DH reported, the 19 Brussels mayors agreed on a unified approach, with Philippe Close, mayor of Brussels City, emphasizing that “quasi 100% of the perpetrators are arrested.”

What’s Next

As the investigation into Saturday’s knife attack continues, authorities face the challenge of addressing the recurring security issues at Elisabeth Park. The park’s designation as a drug hotspot and its history of violent incidents raise questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.

The suspect remains at large, and police have not yet released any details about the individual’s identity or appearance. The victim’s current condition has also not been publicly disclosed.

Local residents and municipal authorities will be watching closely to see whether the recent national-level security measures will translate into tangible improvements in the neighborhoods most affected by drug-related violence, including the area around Elisabeth Park.