A British girl who was one of four children stabbed while on holiday in the French Alps will soon be released from hospital, prosecutors say.
A 31-year-old Syrian refugee was charged with preliminary attempted murder after two children aged between 22 months and three years and two elderly people were attacked in a lakeside park in Annecy, southeastern France, on Thursday.
The British girl, known locally as Ettie, three, who had traveled to the area with her parents, will leave a hospital in Grenoble within days, officials said Saturday.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron met the girl at the hospital and said afterwards that she was awake “watching TV”.
The suspect, whose name has not been officially released, has been remanded in custody pending further investigations.
Chief Prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said at a news conference that the man was brought before the investigating judge in court on Saturday, where he heard the charges.
“The Annecy prosecutor’s office immediately opened the case and the Central Judicial Police was also involved,” she said in a translated statement.
“The attacker was taken into custody at 9.47am.
“The prosecution in Annecy opened a case on the grounds of attempted murder. The prosecution took the perpetrator into temporary custody.
“He will be taken to court this afternoon and he will appear before a judge.”
She said the motive for the attack remained unclear.
The suspect was earlier transferred from a police station in Annecy, a short walk from where the incident took place.
Ms Bonnet-Mathis said the victim’s life was no longer in danger.
Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte visited the British child and other victims in hospital on Friday before heading to the lakeside town where the attack took place.
He also shook hands with a man who appeared to be chasing a knifeman through a park.
Henry, 24, who is visiting various cathedrals across the country, was branded a hero in France after videos were shared on social media.
“Attacking children is the most barbaric act and I think it shocks us,” Mr Macron said.
He told Henry: “You’ve had a very difficult time, it’s distressing. I’m so proud of you.”
Witnesses said the knifeman yelled “in the name of Jesus Christ” during the attack, which included repeatedly stabbing a child in a stroller as bystanders screamed for help.
Hundreds of tearful well-wishers continued to visit the park Saturday, which was filled with flowers, teddy bears and written messages.
