Chaos and fear gripped the Athens suburb of Peristeri after multiple groups of minors—some as young as 13—roamed public spaces armed with clubs, knives, and metal knuckle dusters, threatening and assaulting other children in broad daylight.
Gang Violence Erupts in Makrygianni Square
A violent clash broke out in Makrygianni Square involving around 40 teenagers. According to eyewitnesses interviewed by Mega TV, two rival groups—comprising youths aged 13 to 20—engaged in a physical confrontation. Witnesses described seeing participants wielding wooden bats and, reportedly, knives.
Disturbing Footage Circulates Online
Disturbing video footage has surfaced showing gang members chasing victims while shouting death threats. Among those targeted were children as young as 14. In another harrowing clip, a teenage girl confronts the group, urging them to leave the neighborhood—only to be struck across the face by one of the assailants.
Police Response and Arrests
Local residents alerted authorities upon hearing the commotion. Patrol cars arrived within minutes. Officers launched a pursuit after the suspects scattered into narrow side streets—a tactic apparently intended to evade capture.
Ultimately, police arrested seven underage boys. Authorities found knives and metal knuckle dusters in their possession. Under a parked car, officers also recovered a kitchen knife, a bayonet-style blade, and a nail-studded firecracker.
All seven minors now face charges under Greece’s weapons law.