Several dead and injured in knife attack at festival in Solingen

A knife attack left several people dead on Friday, August 23, in Solingen, in the west of the country, in North Rhine-Westphalia, German police announced. The events took place on a market square in the city center during the festivities of the 650th anniversary of the city focused on the theme of diversity, detail Image And The MirrorAt least three people were killed and several injured, according to the same German media. Contacted by AFP, local police declined to comment immediately.

The daily newspaper’s website Solinger Tageblattciting firefighters, also reported three deaths and seven injuries. The newspaper cited eyewitnesses as reporting a suspect who fled. A major police operation was underway overnight, with television footage from the scene showing numerous police vehicles and an area cordoned off and secured by officers and protective screens. According to the Solinger Tageblattauthorities asked visitors to leave the party grounds and evacuate the city centre where sirens were sounding.

“Tonight we are all in shock in Solingen, in horror and in great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and the injured,” details on Facebook the mayor Tim Kurzbach of this town of more than 150,000 inhabitants.“I get tears in my eyes when I think of those we have lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.” The festival began on Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday.