Police in Bergen responded to multiple incidents overnight including an assault in the city center where a man was beaten near Festplassen. Emergency services were called around 12:30 AM and found the victim injured. He received medical attention while police searched for the perpetrator. Operations leader Tatjana Knappen confirmed no arrests have been made yet in this case.
In a separate mountain rescue operation, emergency crews assisted a hiker who fell down a steep slope near Fløyen. A rescue helicopter provided lighting support while police and ambulance personnel reached the injured person. The hiker was safely brought to solid ground by 1:45 AM according to officials.
Police also dealt with a disruptive individual in Skuteviken where a man in his 50s reportedly threw stones at a parked car, causing damage. The suspect was arrested and charged. This pattern of nighttime disturbances reflects ongoing challenges with public safety in urban areas during late hours.
Meanwhile, a house fire broke out in Stord around 3:12 PM in an older detached home. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze that was burning within the building's cladding. No injuries were reported, though officials expect substantial property damage. The fire department confirmed they had the situation under control shortly after arrival.
In personnel news, Anne Iren Fagerbakke was appointed as the new director of the Railway Directorate. The 58-year-old civil engineer from Bergen brings extensive experience from her previous role as mobility and public transport director for Vestland County. Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård praised her diverse background in public administration and transportation.
Robert Rastad was also appointed as the new county director for Vestland, moving from his position at PwC. County Mayor Jon Askeland welcomed the appointment following an extraordinary county council meeting.
In local politics, city council politician Amina Amin left the Labour Party's council group for undisclosed reasons. Group leader Linn Engø confirmed the departure while thanking Amin for her years of service.
Police made several arrests throughout the day, including:
- A suspect in a robbery case from earlier in the week
- Two men (20s and 50s) arrested for assaulting a man in his 40s at a grocery store
- A drunk man causing disturbances at Bergen Storsenter who was already wanted for burglary and assault
- A man in his 30s suspected of two rapes against a woman in her late 20s
Traffic officials reported writing seven tickets for mobile phone use while driving, with fines now reaching 10,450 kroner. Three additional drivers received citations for improper seatbelt use.
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration announced new winter plans for heavy vehicle convoys on E134 over Haukelifjell during severe weather closures. Section chief Ingmar Ulvenes emphasized these would operate under extremely demanding conditions with strict participation requirements developed in collaboration with trucking associations.
In retail crime, thieves stole 70,000 kroner worth of lighting equipment from Elektroimportøren on Liamyrane. Police are reviewing security footage and seeking public tips.
Meteorologists issued yellow warnings for local heavy snowdrifts in mountain areas of Southern Norway, with conditions expected to worsen through Friday morning and again Saturday afternoon. The combination of strong northwest winds and snow showers could reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions, potentially requiring convoy driving with little notice.
These multiple incidents across law enforcement, emergency services, and public administration demonstrate the broad range of challenges facing Western Norwegian communities. The concentration of police responses in urban centers highlights ongoing public safety concerns, while the administrative appointments signal continuity in regional leadership. The weather warnings serve as a reminder of Norway's challenging winter conditions that regularly test infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems.