Boy, 5, injured in unprovoked bottle attack at Arab Street café; suspect charged with weapon possession

A five-year-old Indonesian boy was injured in an unprovoked attack outside a café on Arab Street, Singapore, on 20 June 2025.

The child was allegedly struck on the head with a wine bottle by a man while his family was waiting to attend Friday prayers at Sultan Mosque nearby.

Mother recounts ordeal

The boy’s mother, Winda, told Mothership that the incident occurred suddenly as the family sat at the outdoor area of % Arabica Singapore, near Haji Lane.

“It all happened in a split second,” she said. “A random person who has no reason to hate us can do something so horrible.”

The blow caused the child to cry and vomit. He sustained visible injuries to his forehead.

Family defended themselves

Winda’s husband immediately pushed the man away to protect their children. Bystanders also intervened, contacting the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Café staff quickly ushered the family inside to shield them from the assailant.

Shin Min Daily News reported that the boy’s father was also injured during the scuffle.

Suspect found with knives

The situation escalated when Winda saw the attacker attempting to retrieve a knife from his bag.

Video footage later posted on Instagram account @sgfollowsall showed members of the public restraining the man before authorities arrived.

The man, identified as 26-year-old Chinese national Xu Chaoyu, was later found with two knives — a 32cm kitchen knife and a 30cm vegetable knife — along Arab Street.

Emergency response

SCDF confirmed it received a call for assistance at about 1.30pm at 56 Arab Street. It said no ambulance assistance was ultimately required.

According to café staff quoted by Shin Min Daily News, the child and his family were able to rest inside after the incident.

Suspect charged in court

Xu was charged in court on 21 June 2025 with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Court documents stated that Xu had been found carrying the knives unlawfully. He also faces possible immigration-related charges, as he is suspected of overstaying in Singapore after his social visit pass expired.

Family traumatised but safe

The Indonesian family, in Singapore for a holiday, had been due to return home on 22 June.

“This incident involves the life of my young child,” Winda said. “I strongly believe Singapore is a safe country — that’s why it’s really hard for us to accept what happened.”

She confirmed that the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has contacted the family to provide assistance.

Broader concerns

The case has drawn public attention due to its sudden nature and the involvement of a young child.

While Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest cities globally, the incident highlights the rare but serious risks of random acts of violence in public spaces.

Investigations are ongoing, and Xu is expected to return to court for further proceedings.