Intrusion, Assault and Rising Disorder Around Notre-Dame Immaculée Church
Residents raised concerns following a series of disturbances around Notre-Dame Immaculée Church in late March 2026. The most serious incident involved an intrusion during a religious service, when an individual disrupted the ceremony, threw a cross onto the altar and assaulted a parishioner.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks around the Notre-Dame Immaculée Church in the Cureghem district of Anderlecht, where residents describe a pattern of disorder affecting both the sacred building and its surroundings.
On 27 March, during a late-afternoon religious service, an individual reportedly entered the church while apparently under the influence of substances. According to witnesses, the person disrupted the ceremony, threw a cross onto the altar, shouted insults at those present and physically assaulted a member of the congregation. The intrusion inside the place of worship has been described by parishioners as particularly distressing, given its timing during a service and the symbolic targeting of religious objects.
This incident forms part of a broader series of disturbances recorded between 24 and 30 March. Residents report scenes of public disorder outside the church, ranging from rubbish strewn across the pavement to attempted theft of parts of the church roof.The mayor acknowledged the incidents and stated that police interventions, checks, seizures and arrests have taken place. Nevertheless, residents maintain that insecurity persists and are calling for immediate reinforcement of security around the Easter fesitivities. Proposed measures include regular police patrols during services, the reinstallation of surveillance cameras, physical barriers at the rear of the church and improved management of public sanitation around the site.
Source and photo: bruxellestoday