Knife attack on the Danube Canal: Police are urgently looking for witnesses!

Knife attack on the Danube Canal: Police are urgently looking for witnesses!

On April 13, 2025, a serious incident occurred on the Danube Canal in Vienna-Alsergrund: A woman was found with multiple stab wounds at around 5:30 a.m. near two nightclubs on Stapelweg. Although the condition of the injured person, who remains in hospital, is not life-threatening, the circumstances surrounding the attack are nonetheless alarming. The police are investigating suspected serious bodily harm with a knife.

On the night of the incident, a violent attack occurred following an argument between the 27-year-old victim and the alleged perpetrator. According to initial information, the unknown woman stabbed the victim three times and then fled in an unknown direction. Witnesses who were nearby at the time of the crime could provide important information about the identity of the suspects.

Search for the suspect

The police have launched a search for a woman who is said to be between 20 and 30 years old. The person being sought has brown hair, is around 1.70 meters tall and was wearing a light jacket and dark trousers when he committed the crime. So far, investigators have not been able to identify any other perpetrators because the injured woman was initially uncooperative and there were no eyewitnesses. However, a witness who came forward after a call to the police reported the argument and the subsequent attack.

In order to further investigate the crime, the police are asking the public for help. Anyone who was near the Danube Canal at the time of the crime or who has information about the woman they are looking for is urged to contact the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, Mitte branch, on 01-31310-43800. Information from other possible witnesses who may have observed the incident is particularly important.

Context to crime statistics

According to police crime statistics (PKS), physical attacks and violent crimes are a constant topic in public discussion. These statistics are used for strategic planning of police measures and help combat crime. It is hoped that the public's help in clearing up this case can also have a positive influence on the numbers in the safety reports. The PKS is updated annually and takes into account the development of criminal events in Austria.

The investigation of violent crimes is a central task of the security authorities in Austria, which regularly publish security reports. These reports provide a detailed insight into crime trends and police responses to optimize preventative and repressive measures.