Three people were killed and five seriously wounded by a knife attacker at a German “Festival of Diversity”
At least three people were killed and several others injured in a knife attack at a festival in Germany.
The attack took place at the “Festival of Diversity” in the German city of Solingen, at about 9.40pm local time. The attacker fled the scene and has yet to be apprehended.
In a statement, police said that eight people were injured, at least five of them seriously. Earlier reports suggested four people had been seriously injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was a lone male, wielding a knife. He is said to have attacked visitors to the festival indiscriminately.
The attacker has been described on social media as an “Arab man.”
The authorities, however, have remained tight-lipped about the attacker’s identity.
“No one knows who the attacker is,” said Herbert Reul, interior minister of the region.
“We should not spread speculations now. There are simply no confirmed facts yet.”
“Even if any eyewitness said this or that, doesn’t mean its true,” Reul added. “Many impressions are influenced by the stress and shock of the moment.”
The Festival of Diversity was being held in the city to celebrate its 650th anniversary. It was expected to draw 75,000 people over this weekend, with events including music, theatre and acrobatics. A children’s parade was held earlier in the day on Friday, before the attack.
