Police search for suspects in playground brawl between foreigners in Pyeongtaek

Police are investigating a violent late-night clash between groups of foreign nationals in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, officials said Monday, an incident that reportedly left many residents in the area in shock and fear.

The suspected brawl broke out at around 11:40 p.m. Saturday in a residential neighborhood in the city. Two men in their 20s — a Russian national and a Kyrgyz national — were detained while fleeing the scene, according to Pyeongtaek Police Station.

Police estimate that around 15 people were involved, though initial witness reports said about 40 people were engaged in a fight. Photos of the incident provided by readers showed many young men carrying and wielding club-like weapons.

The two suspects reportedly sustained injuries, including fractures, and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Both are legal residents, the police said.

The suspects and two witnesses have all denied involvement, saying they were attacked while walking down the street.

The nationalities, immigration status and identities of the remaining suspects who fled the scene have yet to be determined, the police added.

Investigators believe the brawl may have resulted from a conflict between groups of Central Asian nationals based in the area.

The police said they do not currently believe the suspects belong to an organized crime group, though they are looking into the relationships among those involved.

Police investigators are tracking the remaining suspects by analyzing surveillance camera footage and vehicle license plates, while checking to see if they had contacted one another in advance or had repeatedly acted together.

As the incident occurred at a playground in a residential neighborhood, the police have stepped up patrols in the area to ease residents' concerns and prevent further incidents.

Yonhap