French Tourists Attacked in Siracusa, Sicily

A group of young French tourists was assaulted late at night in Siracusa, near the entrance to the historic island of Ortigia. Witnesses say a gang of local youths, described as "maranza," approached the visitors armed with chains, broken bottles and other makeshift weapons.

One of the French teenagers suffered minor abrasions and was taken to the Umberto I Hospital in Siracusa, where he was treated and released without serious injury. Police have opened an investigation, collecting statements from witnesses and reviewing footage from public and private surveillance cameras to identify the attackers. No clear motive has been established, and authorities have not released details about the suspects.

The incident has raised concerns about safety for visitors in the popular tourist area, prompting local officials to increase patrols while the investigation continues.