Police in Helsinki. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Police forces across Finland responded to a high volume of incidents on Midsummer Eve, dealing with violence, intoxicated drivers, and multiple public disturbances.
Authorities in Salo and Oulu are investigating two separate cases of suspected attempted homicide. The Salo incident involved gunfire, while in Oulu, a person was stabbed during a confrontation. In both cases, police detained suspects at the scene.
In another serious incident on a motorway in Paimio, a passenger assaulted a taxi driver during a ride. The altercation caused the vehicle to crash, resulting in serious injuries. Emergency services responded, and the assailant was taken into custody.
The Southwest Finland Police reported a noticeable rise in disturbances compared to last year’s Midsummer Eve. Officers dealt with repeated outbreaks of disorder in the archipelago region, particularly in Mathildedahl in Salo and Nauvo in Parainen. The police described the situation in the archipelago as particularly unsettled.
In Ostrobothnia, police and rescue services were called to a house fire in Korsnäs. No injuries were reported. Elsewhere in Alajärvi, a search operation was launched for a group of young paddleboarders who had failed to return. The group was later located safe at a friend’s summer cottage.
Police also responded to multiple reports of drink-driving and boating under the influence throughout the evening. Breath tests were administered at checkpoints and on water routes, resulting in several arrests.
Law enforcement agencies across the country continued increased patrols into the night and early morning hours. Officers in Southern Finland, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Lapland all reported similar patterns of alcohol-related disturbances, fights, and vandalism.
No fatalities were reported overnight, but authorities said they are bracing for a potentially busy weekend, especially in areas popular for summer cottages and festivals.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
