Afghan man killed in Arna in Bergen – police investigate murder
An Afghan citizen in his late twenties was found dead outside his home in Arna on Sunday evening. No one has been charged or arrested, police say.
Afghan man found dead outside home in Arna
A man was found dead outside his residence in Arna in Bergen on Sunday evening, according to nrk.no. Police are investigating the case as murder with an unknown perpetrator, and no one has yet been charged or arrested.
The deceased is an Afghan citizen in his late twenties. He came to Norway in 2021 and is registered at the address where the incident occurred. The man lived there with his wife, who sustained minor injuries.
Found lying on the ground – pronounced dead at hospital
Police received a report of the violence at 22:26 on Sunday evening and were at the scene 18 minutes later.
"The deceased was found lying on the ground right outside his home," police prosecutor Inger-Lise Høyland told NRK.
The man was transported by ambulance to Haukeland University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 23:09 – less than an hour after police received the report of the violent incident. His wife was first taken to a doctor's clinic, and then also transported to Haukeland.
Neighbour alerted emergency services
Neighbour Chris André Isager told NRK that he heard noise and cries, and went out to investigate. He found the man lying on the ground and called emergency services.
"This is one of the worst things I've experienced. I wouldn't wish anyone to see what I saw," said Isager.
He described how he stayed with the man and tried to help while waiting for emergency services.
"I sat with him and tried to help him, but there was no chance. There was nothing I could do. I understood which way it was going."
Isager further claims that he observed what he believes was the perpetrator fleeing the scene. He has also explained this to police in a witness interview. Police prosecutor Høyland does not wish to comment on this to NRK at this time.
Police do not believe the victim was a random target
At a press conference on Monday, police prosecutor Høyland stated that the motive remains unknown, but that the manner in which the murder occurred provides grounds for a particular assessment.
"We do not know the motive for the murder or who we are looking for. But based on the manner in which it occurred and the injuries sustained by the deceased, we do not believe he was a random victim," said Høyland.
Police therefore consider it unlikely that the perpetrator poses a threat to the general public. Høyland also stated that the deceased has no criminal record.
Large search operation in Bergen – checkpoints now removed
After the murder, police launched a comprehensive search operation in various parts of Bergen. Dogs and a drone were used, and several checkpoints were set up along the E39 near Åsane, where buses and cars were stopped.
"We have been out there searching with dogs and a drone, but have not made contact with or found the individual," operations leader Terje Magnussen told NRK on Monday morning.
On Monday morning, police stated that the checkpoints have been removed. The investigation now focuses on witness interviews and examination of digital evidence, as well as forensic examinations at the crime scene. The deceased is to be autopsied on Tuesday morning.
Neighbours shaken by incident
Several neighbours described shock at what happened in the neighbourhood. Gøran Nordgård and Tone-Lise Steinkopf, who live in the area, say they have not slept and have been very anxious.
"It's absolutely terrible. Clearly one gets the urge to move away from here," said Nordgård.
Neighbour Berekt Yeibyo came home late on Sunday evening and was met by large numbers of police.
"It's absolutely unbelievable, I can't believe this has happened. He was a nice neighbour whom I often greeted," Yeibyo told NRK.
"If one is not safe here, I don't know where one can be safe."
Police request information from public
Police are asking anyone who was in Åsheimsdalen between 20:30 and midnight on Sunday to contact them on telephone number 47 69 60 60.
"We are asking about this time period because we believe the perpetrator was in the area during this time," said Høyland.
Police also wish to hear from people who have dashcam footage and who drove or parked in the Arna area during the relevant time period.