Police have received more than 70 tips from members of the public after images were released of two men wanted in connection with a brutal murder in Zeebrugge.
On the evening of 22 August, Herwin Alleman, 56, was enjoying a night out with his wife when he was set upon by two men as he walked down Mercatorstraat in Zeebrugge.
The men kicked and punched the victim, allegedly attacking him from behind. Despite attempts by a bystander to save him, he died of his injuries at the scene.
Alleman's wife was also struck twice during the assault, but did not sustain any injuries. Both suspects fled the scene immediately afterwards.
Convenience store argument
According to eyewitnesses, the couple had been involved in a “heated argument” with the two men in a nearby convenience store shortly before the attack took place.
Herwin Alleman. Credit: Supplied.
Jeroen Naudts, a family friend of Alleman, told Het Laatse Nieuws that the victim’s widow doesn’t understand what sparked the fight.
“Herwin was arguing with the men in English, but she only speaks Dutch,” said Naudts. “So she didn't understand what was being said. When she walked home from the pizza shop with Herwin, they didn't mention that argument again. So she didn't expect it to escalate so badly."
On Sunday afternoon, federal police issued an appeal to the public for help in finding the suspects. Surveillance camera footage from the night shop captured clear images of the two men.
One is described as a stocky, bald man with a tattoo on the inner side of his right forearm. The other has short, dark hair and a beard. Police believe the pair may be lorry drivers from Eastern Europe.
Police also conducted neighbourhood searches on Sunday at lorry park locations where foreign drivers often stay.
In addition to analysing surveillance footage, the wanted notice has been circulated further afield through Europol. Despite these efforts, no arrests have yet been made.
