145 people reportedly attacked with syringes at France’s Fête de la Musique

145 people reported being stabbed with syringes during France’s annual Fête de la Musique event over the weekend.

Fête de la Musique takes place each year on June 21 across the entirety of France, encouraging musicians to perform on the streets and in local neighbourhoods.

The interior ministry said (via RFI) that 145 people reported being attacked with syringes during celebrations, though it’s currently unclear whether these were largely cases of needle spiking – using ‘date rape’ drugs like rohypnol and GHB to sedate victims.

13 of those cases were reported in Paris, police said, including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man, who reported feeling unwell after allegedly being pricked by needles in separate incidents.

“Some victims were taken to hospital for toxicological tests,” the ministry said. Investigations have been opened following reported syringe attacks on three people in Paris.

12 people have now been arrested across France, four in the city of Angoulême, who were suspected to have targeted around 50 victims, a police source told The Guardian.

This year’s Fête de la Musique saw enormous turnouts across the country as millions gathered to celebrate. Authorities reported “unprecedented crowds” in Paris.

Over 370 people were reportedly arrested on suspicion of other offences, close to 90 of whom in Paris. 14 people were injured, including a 17-year-old who was discovered with stab wounds to the abdomen, while a further 13 members of law enforcement were also hurt (via RFI).

Elsewhere, several events due to take place across the weekend as part of celebrations were cancelled due to extreme heat, with weather forecasts predicting highs of 36 degrees.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter