Last Thursday, 33-year-old Steph Sikkens from Eelde was attacked during a break walk in Groningen’s Noorderplantsoen. The unprovoked assault involved two young men, one armed with a knife, and occurred around 11:15 a.m. near the music pavilion, close to restaurant Zondag. The attackers fled towards Ebbingestraat after the incident.
Survival Mode
Steph, a board member of COC Groningen & Drenthe, described the frightening encounter: “I was in survival mode. When one of them shouted, ‘Stab him,’ I did everything to avoid being stabbed.” Drawing on his fitness and judo advice from a friend, Steph managed to fend off the attackers, hitting them hard enough to escape. He suffered minor bruises and cuts but remains deeply shaken. “I hope to process this and regain my sense of safety,” he shared on Instagram.
Police Investigation and Descriptions
Steph immediately reported the attack as attempted manslaughter. The police have launched an investigation and are calling for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. Camera footage from the area may also aid the case.
The suspects are described as follows:
Perpetrator 1:
Male, around 20 years old
Light-skinned, 1.85 meters tall
Dark/black hooded jacket, red garment underneath
Black Nike shoes with a white sole and logo
Perpetrator 2:
Male, around 20 years old
Light-skinned, 1.90 meters tall, dark hair
Dark/black coat, dark green jogging pants
White Nike Jordan shoes with a red logo
Appeal for Witnesses
Steph recalls encountering several people in the park before the attack and hopes someone witnessed the men fleeing. The police urge anyone who was in the park between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. to share any observations or footage. Tips can be submitted via 0900-8844 or anonymously through 0800-7000, with online submissions also welcome through the police website.
