British Cousins Arrested in Venice Following Valentine’s Day Knife Attack
Venice, Italy – Two British cousins have been taken into custody in connection with a stabbing that nearly proved fatal on Valentine’s Day. Axyl Izouaouen, 19, and Adam Izouaouen, 21, both from London, are suspected of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 22-year-old Italian man outside the Bussola Cocktail Lab in Venice.
Details of the Incident
According to Italian police, the incident unfolded after a dispute arose when the cousins attempted to speak with the victim’s female friend. Eugenio Masino, head of the Venice Flying squad, stated that the victim was fortunate to survive, as the wound was extremely serious. The victim reportedly pulled the knife from his throat and discarded it before paramedics arrived.
Near-Fatal Injury and Police Response
The victim sustained a deep wound to his throat and required extensive surgery. Authorities stated that the injury was millimeters away from severing his jugular vein, which would have been fatal. The Sun reports that the victim is expected to remain hospitalized for at least a month.
Police swiftly apprehended the Izouaouens, who were found to be in possession of return tickets to London scheduled for February 27th. Investigators utilized surveillance footage, bar receipts, and social media activity to track down the suspects. They were located at a flat in the Castello district of Venice, belonging to the grandmother of one of the men, who was reportedly in Spain at the time of the arrest.
Evidence and Investigation
Masino explained that CCTV footage showed Adam Izouaouen handing the knife to his cousin before the attack. Police divers are currently searching the Canale Grande for the weapon, which was reportedly thrown into the canal after the stabbing. The Sun reports that Adam Izouaouen is a law student, while Axyl Izouaouen is unemployed.
Current Status
Both cousins are currently being held in a jail near Venice and are awaiting their next court appearance. They are facing charges of attempted murder.