Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Four-Year-Old Boy in Arab Street Incident
A shocking incident occurred on June 20, 2025, when a 26-year-old Chinese national was charged in court following an alleged attack on a four-year-old boy outside a café on Arab Street. The boy, who was enjoying a holiday in Singapore with his family, was reportedly struck on the head with a wine bottle by the suspect for reasons that remain unclear.
Attack Unfolds Outside Café
The incident took place in the afternoon while the boy was seated with his family outside the % Arabica café. Witnesses reported that the man suddenly smashed the bottle over the child’s head, prompting immediate panic. The boy’s father attempted to intervene but struggled to subdue the assailant, leading to further chaos. The child was so distressed by the attack that he vomited shortly after being brought inside the café.
A video of the incident, shared on social media, captured the harrowing moment. In the footage, the man can be seen sitting on the walkway, laughing to himself while waiting for the police to arrive. As the situation escalated, he reportedly reached into his bag, attempting to retrieve a knife, which alarmed bystanders.
Bystanders Intervene to Prevent Further Harm
As the man reached for the knife, a bystander recording the incident quickly intervened, managing to wrestle the bag away from the suspect. With the help of other men present, they successfully disarmed him, revealing the knife to those around them. The suspect was then restrained until the police arrived to take control of the situation.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force received a call for assistance shortly after the attack, but it was reported that no ambulance was required for the boy or his father, who also sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Legal Consequences for the Suspect
Following the incident, Xu Chaoyu, the accused, was charged on June 21 with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority. The charge sheet indicated that he was found with a 32cm-long kitchen knife and a 30cm-long vegetable knife at the scene. Additionally, it has come to light that Xu may have overstayed his social visit pass in Singapore by up to 49 days.
This alarming event has raised concerns about public safety and the need for vigilance in crowded areas. The police have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are conducting thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.
As the community processes this unsettling incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and awareness in public spaces. Anyone with further information regarding the incident is encouraged to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.