The police in Lokeren have launched a search for youths who pushed an elderly man into the Durme River. The man ended up in the water when he tried to pass the

youths. The victim was ultimately rescued by a passerby. "We are now conducting an extensive investigation to find the perpetrator," says Mayor Filip Anthuenis (Open VLD).

The facts date back to last Thursday and are now being made public by councilor Lena Van Boven (Vlaams Belang). An elderly man was riding his bicycle on the towpath along the Durme River on Thursday evening when several youths obstructed the path near the pedestrian bridge on Sportlaan.

"When the man rang his bicycle bell to indicate that he wanted to pass, his bell sound annoyed one of the youths," explains Van Boven. "The young man asked the victim why he rang the bell and jerked the bicycle's handlebar, causing the man to fall into the Durme River."

Extensive investigation

"A passerby pulled him out of the water. It was fortunate because the man cannot swim. Some fishermen who were fishing on the opposite side called the emergency services. The victim was taken to the hospital in shock."

The Lokeren police confirm that they are aware of the incident. "First and foremost, we are extremely grateful to the passerby for his courageous action," said Mayor Filip Anthuenis (Open VLD). "Nevertheless, the police have launched an extensive investigation to find the perpetrator." Photo by Floris DC, Wikimedia commons.