Pascal (54) Brutally Attacked at Aldi in Assenede: “Dad Couldn’t Speak Because of the Blood in His Mouth”
Pascal (54) Brutally Attacked at Aldi in Assenede: “Dad Couldn’t Speak Because of the Blood in His Mouth”
Pascal, 54, from Bassevelde, had no idea that his usual Monday routine of grocery shopping would end in violence and hospitalization. Like every week, he visited the Aldi store in Assenede in East Flanders on Monday afternoon. But what should have been a simple trip to pick up groceries turned into a shocking attack that left him injured and traumatized.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Pascal finished placing his groceries in his car and returned his shopping cart. Suddenly, he was attacked from behind. According to his daughter, Lovely, he was unable to defend himself against several strong punches. “His upper lip was completely split open,” she said. “My dad didn’t even realize the severity at first. It was only when he tried to speak that he noticed he couldn’t pronounce words properly because of the blood coming from his mouth. I had to take a photo to show him how serious it really was.”
Immediate Aftermath
Emergency services and police were quickly called to the scene. Paramedics provided immediate care on-site before transporting Pascal to the hospital for further treatment. The physical injuries were significant, but as Lovely emphasized, the mental impact has been just as severe. “The effect on my father is huge,” she said. “It’s not just the physical damage; the psychological impact is enormous. He has to do grocery shopping every week, but now he’s scared. Still, he mustn’t let this intimidate him—he did nothing wrong.”
Lovely also expressed frustration about the lack of available surveillance footage, which could have been crucial for both the police investigation and insurance purposes. “We hoped there would be camera footage, but unfortunately, there isn’t any. This is really important to reconstruct exactly what happened.”
After several hours in the hospital, Pascal returned home around 8 p.m., still shaken but thankful to be safe. His family is now calling on any witnesses to come forward to help clarify the situation.
Police Statement
The police of the Assenede-Evergem zone confirmed the incident, describing it as involving two 54-year-old men. “One of the men indeed delivered several punches,” a spokesperson said. “The two involved are known to each other.” While the circumstances are still being investigated, authorities emphasized the importance of witness reports to ensure that the incident is fully understood.
Emotional Impact
Beyond the physical injuries—a split lip and cuts from the attack—the emotional toll on Pascal has been profound. Lovely described her father’s reaction after the attack as a mixture of shock and fear. “He’s always been a calm, careful man. This is not something he expected or could have prepared for. It’s terrifying to think that something like this could happen in a place where people go for everyday shopping.”
The attack has left Pascal hesitant about his usual routines. Previously, grocery shopping was a mundane, stress-free activity. Now, it has become a source of anxiety and concern. Lovely notes that her father feels vulnerable and hesitant to go out alone, a common psychological effect after an unexpected assault.
Community Reaction
The local community has expressed shock at the incident, which took place in a typically safe, familiar environment. Shoppers at the Aldi store reported seeing Pascal being assaulted and immediately calling for help. Many have voiced their support for him and emphasized the importance of the police investigation to ensure justice.
“Incidents like this shake the community,” one neighbor commented. “We all hope the perpetrator is held accountable. It’s frightening that something like this can happen to anyone, even in a busy, public space.”
The Importance of Witnesses
As Pascal and his family try to recover, they are urging anyone who may have seen the incident to come forward. Witness accounts could provide crucial details about the attack, including the exact sequence of events, the identity of the other individual involved, and any potential motives. Lovely stressed, “Even the smallest detail could help. We just want to make sure my father is safe and that something like this doesn’t happen again.”
The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that witness testimonies will play a critical role in determining the next steps. With no camera footage available, eyewitness accounts are now the most reliable source of information.
Looking Ahead
While Pascal focuses on his physical recovery, his family is also helping him cope with the mental aftermath of the attack. Lovely says they are taking extra precautions to ensure his safety during routine activities, but they remain determined not to let fear control their lives.
“We want to remind our father—and everyone—that these attacks are unacceptable. He has done nothing wrong, and he deserves to feel safe in public spaces,” she said.
The family hopes that public attention and community support will encourage witnesses to speak up, helping the authorities fully understand what happened at the Aldi in Assenede. Meanwhile, Pascal continues to heal physically while grappling with the emotional impact of being assaulted in such a familiar setting.
