Two British cousins have been formally charged with attempted murder following a violent stabbing incident in Venice on Valentine's Day. Italian authorities confirmed the arrests of the relatives, aged 19 and 21, after a week-long investigation that utilised advanced surveillance techniques.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident occurred on the evening of February 14 outside a cocktail bar near the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice's historic centre. According to police reports, a 22-year-old local man was stabbed in the neck during what began as a confrontation over a woman.
Escalation of Violence
Investigators believe the altercation started with what they described as "trivial disagreements" between the young men. Witnesses reported a tense exchange in English, with one of the British suspects allegedly shouting: "She's my girlfriend, I love her. The problem is, unfortunately, she doesn't love me."
The Venetian victim is said to have responded: "You are in Italy, my home," before the situation turned violent. Police state that the older suspect produced a blade, which was then passed to the younger cousin who allegedly used it to stab the victim as he attempted to walk away.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Polizia Di Stato's Venice Flying Squad, working in coordination with the local prosecutor's office, launched an extensive investigation following the attack. The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, while police began searching for the perpetrators.
International Cooperation
Eugenio Masino, the lead investigator on the case, revealed that British police provided crucial assistance in identifying the suspects. "We had two faces, which we needed to identify," Masino explained. "We managed to identify them thanks to analysis of social media and cooperation with police in London."
The investigation employed multiple sophisticated techniques including wiretaps, electronic surveillance, and comprehensive monitoring of social media profiles. Police believe the suspects may have disposed of the weapon by throwing it into Venice's Grand Canal, prompting specialist divers to search the waters.
Background of the Suspects
The two British nationals had been holidaying in Italy since late January, according to police statements. Following the alleged attack, they evaded initial capture but were eventually located in an apartment belonging to an Italian relative of one of the suspects.
Local media reports suggest the older suspect is a law student from the United Kingdom who arrived in Venice on January 31. The young woman at the centre of the dispute told investigators she had been communicating with one of the suspects via social media for "some time" before arranging to meet in person.
Legal Proceedings and Diplomatic Response
Both suspects have been remanded in pre-trial custody following a court hearing to confirm their arrests. A spokesman for the British embassy in Rome confirmed: "We are providing assistance to two British nationals who have been detained in Italy, and we are in contact with the local authorities."
The Polizia Di Stato emphasised in their official statement that the motive appeared to stem from "trivial disagreements between young people, which escalated into violence over trivial matters." The case continues to develop as Italian authorities proceed with their investigation and prepare for trial proceedings.
