Gangs of school pupils have reportedly been attacking people in the towns of Poprad and Spišská Nová Ves, in eastern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
Recently, two towns in eastern Slovakia have had problems with gangs of violent school pupils. A 20-year-old native of the town of Spišská Nová Ves has already been attacked three times, reports the Noviny.sk website.
The gangs are even awarding points for the attacks, police say.
The 20-year-old man was recently attacked in front of his own mother. She described him being kicked in the head, and says that he is currently unable to work and is suffering from psychological trauma. Both parents also report being having been attacked by local children.
When a reporter from private broadcaster TV Joj approached one young man from the group of alleged attackers he refused to talk on camera, but claimed the accusations were made up. He also wanted media coverage of the incidents to stop.
According to the city police in Spišská Nová Ves, there are at least two groups of pupils from the 8th and 9th grades attacking people in the evening, both in the town centre and in more secluded locations. In addition, the gangs have introduced a points system that allows pupils to ascend within the hierarchy, with 10 points given for attacking a 60-year-old man and 20 points for a 50-year-old.
The police say they have a list of 28 names and measures are already being taken, although they did not specify what these are.
In nearby Poprad, similar groups have attacked young and older people alike. Police in the town say they have strengthened patrols.
