Rethymno: Three arrested after violent robbery and fan-related attack

Three men, aged 21, 25, and 27, have been arrested following a violent robbery and attack on a 47-year-old man in Rethymno. The incident occurred on Thursday night when four individuals wearing helmets ambushed the victim, who was returning home from Heraklion. The attackers attempted to steal his backpack, which contained a sports banner and other personal items.

An off-duty police officer witnessed the assault and intervened to protect the victim. During the confrontation, one of the perpetrators struck the officer, causing minor injuries, before the group fled on motorcycles. Following a search by the DIAS rapid response unit, three suspects were apprehended. Authorities are currently searching for a fourth individual involved in the incident.

The victim was treated at Rethymno Hospital for minor injuries and has since been discharged. The suspects face multiple charges, including robbery, causing bodily harm, violations of sports violence laws, and violence against public officials. Police are investigating whether the motive for the attack was related to football hooliganism.