A knife-wielding assailant attacked participants at a festival celebrating the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen. They were killed and wounded, the dpa news agency reported. According to unconfirmed reports, at least three people were killed.
Local newspaper Solinger Tagblatt reported that authorities had asked people to immediately leave the centre of Solingen, where the concert was being held on the Fronhof market square. One of the festival’s organisers, Philipp Müller, told the audience on stage that rescue teams were fighting for the lives of nine people. According to ANSA, at least three people died at the hands of the knifeman.
Police have surrounded the market square where thousands of people have gathered. Helicopters are circling over the city. There is no word yet on whether the attacker has been captured.
The festival to celebrate Solingen’s 650th anniversary, which began on Friday and was due to last until Sunday, has been canceled. Solingen has a population of around 160,000 and is located near Cologne and Duesseldorf.
tkwl/PAP
