Etterbeek Grocery Store Damaged in Bombing, Possible link to Local Youth Gang
A grocery store in Etterbeek was heavily damaged in an explosion early Sunday morning, just after midnight, on General Fivéstraat. While no one was injured, the shop window was shattered and a large hole was ripped in the roller shutter. Two parked cars were also damaged.
Police believe the explosion was caused by a large fireworks bomb containing 200 grams of active powder,to which a bus deodorant canister had been attached and glued to the roller shutter before being ignited. Investigators from DOVO, the Belgian bomb disposal unit, were dispatched to the scene.
The store owner,speaking to Brussels newspapers,expressed shock,stating she doesn’t understand why anyone would target her business. Local resident Marie-Claire described the neighborhood as normally “very quiet with pleasant inhabitants,” and expressed hope the incident was isolated and not related to drug activity.
Sources indicate a group of young people has been causing disturbances in the area since the beginning of the month, with police intervening on several occasions, including reports of nuisance directed at the grocer.One source suggested the bombing could be an act of revenge following a previous dispute. “There is no certainty yet and no suspects have been arrested yet,” the source said.
Etterbeek Mayor Vincent de Wolf confirmed this is the fourth similar incident in the municipality recently, and is investigating whether the attacks are random acts of vandalism by local youth or indicative of a more serious issue.
