A knife attack in Belgium has left six people wounded - with two victims now fighting for their lives in hospital.
Violence erupted at Operaplein, a busy square in Antwerp, where approximately 50 protesters had gathered against violence towards Kurds in Syria last night.
Police spokesman Wouter Bruyns confirmed four people were injured - all of whom suffered stab wounds.
A further update from authorities stated: "They were all stabbed, and two victims are currently in critical condition."
Four casualties were discovered at the square itself, while two additional victims were found at nearby locations.
The incident occurred at approximately 7.20pm as the gathering, thought to have been peaceful, was winding down.
Officers had already been stationed at the square with a patrol vehicle to oversee the demonstration, which had remained calm throughout most of the evening.
"It was peaceful and was just ending," said an eyewitness.
Police administered first aid to casualties before ambulances could arrive
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As protesters prepared to disperse, the situation turned violent without warning.
Police on the scene intervened immediately when the stabbings began, administering first aid to casualties before ambulances could arrive.
Multiple emergency medical teams were then dispatched to treat the wounded and take them to hospital.
Two suspects were arrested by officers at the scene - with authorities now confirming an investigation has been launched.
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Footage on social media showed crowds fleeing the scene as violence broke out
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Images captured police forcing one of the suspects to the ground during the arrest, while further footage on social media showed crowds fleeing the scene as violence broke out.
"People were running in every direction; it was pure chaos," one witness said.
Initial reports indicate the attackers had blended in with demonstrators before striking.
Another onlooker described how a group walking past suddenly produced knives and began attacking individuals seated on the steps of the Opera House.
PICTURED: Architects' images of the newly-developed square outside the Opera House, where the attack unfolded
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Navbel, a Kurdish community organisation in Belgium, said the attack was "an act of terror against Kurds".
"We expect the Belgian police and judiciary to view and treat this act as such," a statement read. "This is no different from jihadists who specifically attack civilians in the streets, at Christmas markets, or other public places.
"The facts the victims are Kurds, a powerless and ignore people, should not lead the Belgian authorities to characterise this act differently. They must not conceal this.
"The Belgian Government must acknowledge that Kurds, even in Antwerp, are victims of hate speech and racist and jihadist-inspired violence."
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