Police release details of Vaasa assault after video evidence emerges

The assault in Vaasa’s Ristinummi district began with children throwing stones and sand before escalating into a chemical attack, police said on Thursday.

Pohjanmaan poliisi released a detailed account of the July 12 incident after surveillance footage from Variskan school’s outdoor area showed the full sequence of events.

According to investigators, the confrontation started when an 8-year-old threw stones and sand at a group of girls playing nearby. No injuries were reported from the initial exchange.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, approached to stop the behaviour. During the confrontation, the 8-year-old sprayed pipe-cleaning fluid onto the 15-year-old’s face and clothing. Police consider this an assault.

The 16-year-old then took the bottle and poured its contents over the 8-year-old, an act being investigated as aggravated assault.

Investigators found no evidence of a racist motive in the attack. The case is nearing the end of its preliminary investigation and will then be sent for prosecutorial review.

Separate footage from the same cameras showed groups of youths detonating homemade explosives in two locations on the school grounds the following Sunday. Police are investigating three counts of reckless handling related to the incidents and have asked anyone with information to contact them.