Annecy knife attack suspect taken to face French judge

The suspect in a knife attack that wounded four toddlers and two pensioners in the southeastern French town of Annecy was taken from the police station where he was in custody to be presented before a judge.

BFM images showed the suspect being carried on a stretcher by police to a black car waiting at the back of the police station.

Annecy prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis, leading the investigation into Thursday's attack, was due to hold a news conference later on Saturday.

The suspect, a Syrian refugee born in 1991, is under formal investigation for attempted murder and resisting arrest with a weapon, the prosecutor said.

The injured are no longer in critical condition, Annecy Prosecutor Lise Bonnet-Mathis told a news conference, adding that the four children were still hospitalised.

The 31-year-old suspect has chosen not to speak while in police custody, and when presented before judges, she said.

He was examined by a psychiatrist who considered that his state of health was compatible with him being held in custody.

Drug and alcohol tests were negative.

"Presently, it is premature to assess his motivations," Bonnet-Mathis said, reiterating that there was no indication yet that terrorism was the assailant's motivation.

The suspect was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago, having arrived from Turkey. The prosecutor said the man was believed to be married with a young child.

He entered France in October 2022, having travelled through Italy and Switzerland, she said, adding that he had no police record in France and was thought to be homeless.

His request for asylum in France was refused because Sweden had already approved one.

Witnesses told investigators that they heard the suspect call out for "his wife, his daughter" and shouted "Jesus Christ", the prosecutor added.

On his arrest, police found a folding knife, two Christian faith images, a cross, cash, and a Swedish driver's licence.