Vandals plunder and damage Grand Place nativity scene

Three 20-somethings entered the nativity scene on Brussels' Grand Place at the weekend, stealing the statue of baby Jesus and causing considerable damage to the other props, reports the Brussels public prosecutor. The three youth were released after questioning, but will at least have to pay for the damage caused, writes Het Laatste Nieuws.

A police patrol noticed the three men around 4.30 on Friday night as they threw an object onto one of the terraces of the Grand Place. Upon closer examination, the agents discovered it was the statue of baby Jesus from the nativity scene.

While committing the theft, the three men damaged parts of the nativity scene, including branches of the Christmas tree, some roof tiles and much of the wooden stable. They also destroyed the crib and overturned two other statues.

The three young men, all from Anderlecht, were arrested and interrogated, but later released. They will be held responsible for the cost of the damages.