Alpha News

Man Attacks Mother and Child with Axe in Heraklion, Greece

Published January 22, 2026, 14:25

A 39-year-old man caused terror in Heraklion, Greece, by chasing a mother and her minor child with an axe. The man approached the woman and her child on the street, brandishing the axe and causing them to panic. The mother managed to hide her child in a nearby house, while their screams alerted residents who rushed to help. Police officers arriving at the scene had difficulty calming the man, who was in a state of extreme agitation. He was eventually arrested and taken to the Chersonissos Police Station. Reports indicate that the man also caused property damage to the woman's car with the axe. During his arrest, the man claimed he was hearing voices ordering him to kill. He was transported to the hospital for medical assistance. The incident occurred in the Gouves area and has shocked the local community. The police are investigating the incident to determine the exact motives of the perpetrator and assess his mental state. Residents of the area expressed relief at the prompt response of the police and the safe rescue of the mother and child.