Poznań was left shocked after five cars were destroyed in a parking lot fire on Robocza Street. What investigators discovered afterwards was hard to believe — the suspected perpetrators were children.
The fire, which broke out on July 7, initially looked like a tragic accident. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but investigators quickly discovered that one of the vehicles had been deliberately set on fire, causing the flames to spread to four nearby cars.
What surprised authorities most was not only the suspected act of vandalism — but the age of those involved.
Police detained five boys between the ages of 8 and 12, all Ukrainian citizens. After questioning and completing the necessary procedures, the children were released into the care of their parents and guardians.
According to police spokesperson Łukasz Paterski, investigators analysed surveillance footage, collected evidence, and worked with a firefighting expert to determine the cause of the blaze.
The case will now be handled by the family court, which will assess whether the minors showed signs of demoralisation and decide on further steps.
A sensitive moment for Polish–Ukrainian relations
The incident comes at a time when relations between some Poles and Ukrainians remain complicated. While millions of Ukrainians have built lives in Poland and many communities live together peacefully, incidents involving crime or antisocial behaviour can quickly become fuel for online hostility and stereotypes.
Experts and community leaders often warn that individual actions by a small group of people should not be used to judge an entire nation or community.
The focus now remains on understanding what led such young children to allegedly commit such a serious act — and ensuring that similar situations do not happen again.
