Norah (12) and other children threatened with knife in school: “She is traumatized”

The 12-year-old Norah was playing with some friends in the schoolyard of De Vierspan in Grootebroek yesterday, when a confused man suddenly walked onto the square. He threatened several children with a knife.

As the man walked up to the playing Norah, he punched her in the face a few times. Then he drew his knife and threatened her. “He also said that he would slowly kill her,” says Roy, Norah’s father. “Norah is very shocked by this. She is tearful and surprised that an adult has walked up to her to threaten her with a knife. She has told us that she no longer dares to play outside. And she now dares to go to school.” not anymore. Just like us, she is very traumatized because of this.”

Roy has reported the assault and threat. He calls on bystanders to do the same. “I would like anyone who knows anything about this man to go to the police. Then hopefully something can be done about it, because that hasn’t happened so far.”

Not the first time

Because in the past, a report has already been filed against this man, Roy says. He was then arrested by the police, but was released after a day due to insufficient evidence.

“The man is known to the GGZ. It is not the first time that this has happened. The neighbors have already complained about it several times, but also people from the area”, Roy knows. “He literally lives a few meters from the schoolyard.”

Roy: “We hope that something can be done with it now. We shouldn’t wait until things really go wrong. This could have been prevented if no action had been taken earlier.”

Suspect released again

A bystander was able to intervene during the assault and threat and remove the confused man from Norah. “That way she could have prevented worse,” said Roy. “We are very happy that she was able to somewhat save the situation. My ex-wife went to her this afternoon with Norah to thank her.”

The suspect was arrested by the police yesterday. A spokesperson confirms to WEFF/NH News that it concerns a 24-year-old man from Grootebroek. A knife was also seized. He was released today. Victim support has been offered to Norah.

Letter to parents of daycare

Employees and children at the adjacent daycare, Berend Botje, did not see the incident. Headmistress Gaby Alberts says that at that time they were inside the residence and had no view of the schoolyard. Alberts is shocked by the incident.

“It’s very sad what happened,” she says. “The children who were there were therefore very shocked. As a shelter, we had contact with a community officer and the municipality today. In addition, we sent all parents a letter to fully inform them and to let them know that we are working with the children. going to talk.”

Safer schoolyard environment

Director Durk Stoker of primary school De Vierspan is also shocked by what happened yesterday in his schoolyard. “It’s terrible that this happened,” Stoker said.

Like Alberts, Stoker says he wants to start a conversation to see how they can make the schoolyard a safer environment for the children. “We will also look at good supervision, so that the children can play outside safely during school hours.” He also says that he hopes that the children will be able to receive good guidance at primary school and daycare after the holidays.