Chinese National Hits Boy with Bottle, Pulls Knife from Bag Near Haji Lane

 

On June 20, 2025, at around 1:30pm, a shocking act of violence occurred outside a café located at 56 Arab Street, near Haji Lane, Singapore. A 26-year-old man was accused of attacking a four-year-old boy with a glass bottle, injuring the child’s forehead. The boy, a tourist from Indonesia, was sitting with his parents outside the café when the unprovoked attack took place.

The man, later identified as Xu Chaoyu, a Chinese national, reportedly struck the boy with a bottle without warning. Witnesses described the situation as chaotic. Videos uploaded by bystanders showed the man laughing to himself while sitting cross-legged outside the café. Several members of the public intervened to restrain him and prevent further harm.

As the situation escalated, Xu was seen reaching into his black bag. A vigilant bystander quickly noticed this and intervened, restraining him and confiscating the bag. A knife was later discovered in his possession. Witness accounts confirmed that during the incident, Xu had with him two large knives: a 32-centimetre kitchen knife and a 30-centimetre cleaver.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force was called, and the injured child was treated for a wound to the forehead. Staff from the café and surrounding shops provided immediate assistance and called an ambulance. The boy and his family were brought inside the café to rest after the incident.

The boy’s father reportedly attempted to defend his son and was also injured in the scuffle. Other members of the public, including at least two men from nearby shops, helped subdue the attacker and held him down until the police arrived. According to a female clothing store staff member who witnessed the incident, the man attempted to flee the scene even after being restrained, but was stopped by those present.

The police arrived and secured the scene. Officers cordoned off the area and conducted investigations until about 5pm. The café staff confirmed that the victims were a family of three Indonesian tourists who had just purchased coffee and were seated outside when the attack occurred.

Xu Chaoyu was charged in court on June 21, 2025. He faces charges for possessing a 32cm kitchen knife in a public place and later being found in possession of a 30cm cleaver. Additionally, authorities revealed that Xu had overstayed in Singapore by 49 days after the expiry of his social visit pass, thereby violating the Immigration Act.

Xu's actions, which included attacking a minor, being armed in public, and unlawfully remaining in the country, have raised public safety concerns. Authorities have yet to release further information regarding Xu’s motives or mental state. However, based on footage and witness testimonies, he appeared disoriented and erratic during the incident, frequently laughing to himself and attempting to retrieve weapons from his belongings.

Investigations into the case are ongoing. The Singapore Police Force has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior immediately.