Venice Valentine's Stabbing: UK Cousins Charged

Two British cousins, aged 19 and 20, face attempted murder charges after a man was stabbed in the neck during a confrontation on Valentine's Day in Venice. The incident unfolded near the Rialto Bridge following an argument that began after one of the cousins contacted a woman on Instagram.

When a 22-year-old local man attempted to mediate the dispute, the older cousin allegedly produced a 10cm switchblade and passed it to his relative. The younger cousin then reportedly stabbed the Venetian man in the neck as he turned to walk away. The victim sustained a damaged artery and underwent emergency surgery.

Italian media reported that the altercation escalated from a tense exchange, with one of the British men expressing affection for the woman involved. Witnesses described scenes of panic as emergency services were called to the area in the early hours of February 14.

Investigators believe the knife was passed between the cousins moments before the stabbing, with this exchange possibly captured on security cameras. The suspects fled the scene but were later arrested at an apartment in the historic center. Police divers are continuing to search the Grand Canal for the weapon.