Maastricht - Two 16-year-old boys and two 21-year-old friends assaulted random passersby in Maastricht early this year, prosecutors allege. In one case, attempted manslaughter was charged.

In all, justice links three incidents to the group of boys. Only in one case is something of a trigger clear. On Jan. 22, the boys were tearing through Maastricht in a car and a passerby made it clear to them in words and gestures that they should drive more quietly. The boys turn around and, according to the accuser, try to pull the man into the car. A woman who is there also receives a slap.