UK

Syrian man handed preliminary attempted murder charges after children stabbed

Security forces examine the scene (Keystone via AP)
Security forces examine the scene (Keystone via AP)

A Syrian refugee accused of stabbing a young British girl and three other children in the French Alps has received preliminary charges of attempted murder.

The group of children, aged between 22 months and three years, and two elderly adults, were attacked at a lakeside park in Annecy, south-east France, on Thursday.

The suspect is a 31-year-old Syrian refugee with permanent residency in Sweden. His name has not been officially released.

Police probe at attack scene
Security forces examine the scene (Keystone via AP)

He has been remanded in custody pending further investigation.

Lead prosecutor, Line Bonnet-Mathis, said at a press conference the man was presented to investigating judges in a court on Saturday, where he heard the charges.

The suspect was earlier moved from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place.

Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victims are no longer in a life-threatening condition.