Police Arrest Man After Axe Attack on Mother and Child

A 39-year-old man attacked a young mother and her child with an axe in the Gouvès area of Heraklion, Crete, on Tuesday afternoon, January 21. He repeatedly struck the woman’s car, causing serious damage, and later threatened the mother and child again when he spotted them on the street.

The terrified mother rushed to hide her child inside a nearby house while screaming for help. Neighbours ran to assist as the man continued swinging the axe, appearing completely out of control.

Police officers arrived at the scene and struggled to restrain the man due to his extreme agitation. They eventually handcuffed him and transported him to the Hersonissos Police Station.

During his arrest, the suspect repeatedly told officers that a voice commanded him to kill. Authorities later transferred him to a hospital for medical and psychiatric evaluation. Investigators continue to probe the incident.