The final two suspects in the assault of a police officer in Tourcoing, northern France, have been arrested, police confirmed today, September 13, 2025. This brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with Thursday’s violent incident to seven.
A police source informed Le Parisien, corroborating a BFMTV report, that the two men were taken into custody in Tourcoing. Their arrests follow the earlier apprehension of five other individuals, including three minors, as the investigation into the attack progressed.
The officer, a member of France’s Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC), suffered a broken nose and a deviated septum that will likely require surgery, according to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. While physically injured, the minister noted the officer was “more psychologically shocked than physically.” Prosecutors have issued an initial five-day temporary leave from work due to his injuries, subject to re-evaluation.
The assault occurred late Thursday afternoon when the officer and two colleagues were responding to a report of scooter theft. Minister Darmanin, speaking from the Tourcoing police station, detailed that the incident involved “blackmail and harassment of a child by a small gang.” During the intervention, the officer was attacked by several individuals.
During his visit, Minister Darmanin reiterated his call for the implementation of “minimum sentences” into law. He urged a public debate on establishing a “minimum penalty when committing acts that undermine the authority of the state and the Republic’s integrity.”
Carole Étienne, the Public Prosecutor of Lille, confirmed that multiple investigations have been opened by her office. These include charges of violence against a public authority figure, aggravated by group involvement and the theft of the officer’s telescopic baton. Separate inquiries are also underway for the scooter theft, involving threats and intimidation, and for the filming and dissemination of the assault footage.
