Kópavogur mayor calls Kársnes killing terrible

Ásdís Kristjánsdóttir, mayor of Kópavogur, has described the death following an assault in the Kársnes neighbourhood as “terrible”, while insisting that the town remains safe and peaceful, mbl.is reports.

Police are investigating an assault in Vallargerði on Monday that led to one person’s death. They have released little information, citing the interests of the investigation, although neighbours have described what they experienced to mbl.is.

“This is a terrible case, and it is understandable that residents nearby do not feel well,” Ásdís said in response to questions from mbl.is.

She said the municipality had full confidence in the police, who have said that the Kársnes homicide investigation is their highest priority and that further information will be provided when appropriate.

The latest incident is the third serious event in Kársnes in less than nine months. At the end of November last year, a 40-year-old man was found dead in a residential property in the neighbourhood.

In May this year, another man was taken to hospital with injuries believed to have been caused by a firearm. He is thought to have entered the Brikk bakery in Kársnes shortly beforehand, covered in blood, and asked staff to call an ambulance.

Ásdís said Kópavogur operates a counselling team for trauma support, which can be activated if needed. She also pointed to church counselling, which is open to anyone seeking help, and the Red Cross helpline, which is available around the clock.

“Fortunately, cases of this kind are exceptions. The community in Kópavogur is safe and peaceful,” she said.