A young woman was attacked from behind in Salerno's historic centre in the evening near Largo San Tommaso d'Aquino, suffering stab wounds to the nape of the neck and an injury to her hand. Speaking afterward, she said she could not explain what had happened: "Non so darmi risposte: ho ancora tanta paura" — "I cannot give myself answers: I am still very afraid."

The assault, which she described as unprovoked, occurred while she was waiting to make a video call. She said she did not know the attacker.

What happened

According to the validated reports, the attack took place at around 20:30. The victim said she was struck from behind by a stranger.

An earlier report described the location as near Largo San Tommaso d'Aquino and said the woman was transported to hospital in code red. Investigators began reconstructing the sequence of events and searching for the attacker, including reviewing surveillance-camera footage from the area.

Injuries and hospital care

The woman sustained a wound to the nape reported as seven centimetres long, as well as an injury to her hand.

She was taken to San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona hospital in Salerno. One report said she received transfusions and was later discharged with a reported 21-day prognosis.

Reports differ on the victim's exact age: later accounts identify her as 23, while an earlier report described her as about 20. Reports also do not agree on the exact number of blows or knife strikes.

Investigation

The attacker was unknown to the victim and had not been publicly identified in the acquired reports.

The investigation has focused on identifying him and establishing how the assault unfolded. The usefulness of available surveillance footage remained uncertain, and the motive remained unknown.

Increased controls and residents' concern

Following the assault, the Prefect of Salerno ordered increased police surveillance in the centre and other parts of the city.

Residents expressed concern about safety and requested greater controls in the historic centre.

What is confirmed so far

  • The victim reported an unprovoked attack from behind while she was waiting to make a video call.
  • The assault occurred near Largo San Tommaso d'Aquino in Salerno's historic centre at around 20:30.
  • She suffered injuries to the nape and hand, including a reported seven-centimetre wound to the nape.
  • She was transported in code red to San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona hospital and later discharged with a reported 21-day prognosis.
  • Police controls were intensified in the centre and other areas of the city after the assault.

What remains unclear

  • The identity of the attacker, who was unknown to the victim.
  • The motive for the attack.
  • The exact number of blows inflicted, on which reports differ.
  • Whether surveillance-camera footage will allow investigators to identify the person responsible.