Police Seek Public Help to Identify Suspect in Fatal Nowa Huta Assault

Kraków police have released photographs of a suspect sought in connection with the brutal beating and killing of a 36-year-old man in the Nowa Huta district during the night of August 20–21.

Brutal Attack on Osiedle Willowe

Kraków police are asking for public assistance in identifying a man suspected of participating in a brutal attack on Osiedle Willowe. During the night of August 20 to 21, a 36-year-old man was severely beaten there. Despite rescue efforts, the man died in the ambulance.

The tragedy occurred in the area of Stanisława Mierzwa Street in Nowa Huta. Authorities were alerted by a witness who heard screams. Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious 36-year-old man. The victim was handed over to paramedics, but his life could not be saved – he died in the ambulance.

Investigation and Autopsy Results

Secured surveillance footage shows the scale of the brutality of the attack. The fleeing man was caught by a group of attackers, knocked down, and then beaten and kicked. A sharp tool was also reportedly used during the assault. The body of the 36-year-old was secured for an autopsy, which is to help determine the direct cause of his death.

From the beginning, the case has had a clear football-hooligan thread. The deceased was connected with the Hutnik Kraków supporters’ community, while individuals potentially linked to the assault are identified with the hooligan subculture. However, the police at this stage do not prejudge whether football scores were the direct motive for the fatal attack.

Detentions and Witness Testimony

Nine people were detained in connection with the case. They were questioned as witnesses and then released. No one has been charged so far. However, this does not mean the end of actions against this group – with the appearance of new evidence, the procedural status of individual persons may change. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage and determining the exact course of the assault and the roles of its participants.

The tragedy also provoked a reaction from Wisła Kraków. The club spoke out after comments appeared linking it to persons suspected of participating in the incident. Wisła strongly condemned the violence, while opposing the attribution of responsibility to the entire club and its community for the actions of specific individuals. It emphasized that using the name, colors, or symbols of Wisła does not mean representing the club or acting on its behalf.

Appeal for Information

The proceedings are being conducted by police officers from the Department for Combating Crimes Against Life and Health of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Kraków. In the course of their work, they identified another person suspected of participating in the case. They published photographs of the man and turned to residents for help in his identification.

We are asking people who recognize the man visible in the photographs to come forward. We guarantee anonymity, appealed Kraków police officers.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information that could help in the ongoing proceedings is asked to contact the duty officer of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Kraków at the phone number 47 83 52 908. Information can also be provided at any police unit.