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What we know about Chinese student who stabbed children in Zurich

Helena Bachmann
Helena Bachmann - helena@thelocal.ch
What we know about Chinese student who stabbed children in Zurich
Police officers in Zurich cordon off the area where a man attacked several children, injuring three. Photo by ARND WIEGMANN / AFP
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A stabbing attack on three five-years-olds outside a Zurich daycare centre on Tuesday left one boy seriously wounded and two others injured. New details about the assailant, a Chinese national living in Switzerland, have now emerged.

Though his name has not been released, it is known that the alleged assailant is a 23-year-old from China, a master's student at the University of Zurich, who lives in student housing near the campus. 

Sexual fantasies and love of ruling Party

The exact motive for  his actions remain elusive at this point.

But just before the attack, around noon on October 1st, the assailant posted a long text on social networks.

In it, he first described his sexual fantasies with a woman he met, saying how much he missed her, as well as the time they spent together.

The text also mentions his love for his home country and its ruling Party.

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Symbolic day?

October 1st is China's national holiday, but does this date have anything to do with his actions on that day?

According to Swiss media, neither the date nor the action itself was coincidental.

That's because knife attacks have increased recently in China, particularly targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

The investigation will attempt to determine whether the date of the attack, and the chosen victims, are connected to that fact.

“However, it is difficult to understand what the man wanted to express through this post, partly because of the inexact translation,” the media said.

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A shock

Students who met the assailant said they are shocked by his actions, especially since they had found him to be quiet and reserved.

How are injured children doing?

According to Zurich police, they were treated at the scene by emergency services and the child who sustained most serious injuries was taken to a hospital, where he still remains.

The psychological service of the Zurich city police was also present to offer counselling and support.

READ ALSO: Three children injured in Zurich knife attack outside daycare centre

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