A bloody conflict among rival Roma families in Oslo has prompted police to heavily guard the hospital where two victims were being treated for serious stab wounds on Tuesday. The wounds were sustained during what some witnesses called a “bloodbath” at a bingo parlour in Oslo’s Torshov district and at the emergency clinic Legevakten.
Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported that police cars were parked around Ullevål University Hospital on Tuesday morning and armed police were posted inside and outside the hospital. Civilian patrols were also in place.
Police say the recent surge of violence, which has included stabbings and shootings, is part of a long-lasting conflict within the Roma community in Oslo. One family told NRK that a group of Roma attacked another group because they don’t think police have taken their complaints seriously.
The two victims in critical condition at Ullevål reportedly are a leading figure in one of the Roma families and his son. They were attacked at the Torshov Bingo hall Monday evening and rushed to Legevakten, where they were attacked again at the clinic. Police then mounted armed patrols at the clinic as well.
Police arrested four persons after Monday night’s violence but now fear more acts of revenge. All four arrested are Norwegian citizens, descendants of Roma who arrived in Norway after World War II. NRK reported that Roma leaders from outside the country have been called in to help mediate the conflict, without success.
newsinenglish.no staff
