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Solingen, a city in western Germany, was plunged into mourning following a vicious knife attack that left an indelible mark on its residents.
The assault, which was confirmed by local law enforcement, resulted in the tragic deaths of three people, with an additional four individuals struggling to recover from severe injuries sustained during the brutal incident.
The festive atmosphere in Solingen’s city centre was shattered on Friday evening when the deadly knife attack unfolded, casting a dark shadow over the celebrations. As the investigation continues, authorities are still searching for the perpetrator, who remains at large and poses a lingering threat to public safety.
Eyewitnesses describe the horrifying scene as the assailant indiscriminately stabbed passers-by, sending panic through the crowded streets.
A vast police operation is now in full swing, with helicopters deployed above Solingen to aid in the search for the perpetrator. The city’s joyous 650th-anniversary festivities were tragically marred by the senseless violence.
Following the brutal attack at around 22:00 local time (21:00 BST), authorities in Solingen took swift action, urging citizens to vacate the Fronhof market area as police set up security cordons to ensure public safety. The swift response aimed to prevent further escalation and facilitate a thorough investigation.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with crews seen treating the injured at the scene, media reports indicated.
As the manhunt intensified, police deployed an impressive array of 40 tactical vehicles to aid in the search for the suspect, Bild reported, demonstrating their commitment to capturing the perpetrator.
Roads have been blocked, and residents asked to stay indoors as officers carry out their search.
Philipp Müller, one of the festival organisers, said the emergency crews were fighting for the lives of nine people, the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper reports.
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“People are shocked, but left the square peacefully,” Mr Müller said.
As Lars Breitzke shared his account with the newspaper, he vividly recalled the eerie moment when the singer’s countenance on stage struck him as peculiar
“And then a person fell over just a metre away from me,” he said.
A sinister intent has been exposed in the latest wave of attacks, as German media disclose that the attacker seemingly zeroed in on the necks of their victims with deadly precision, leaving a community shaken and searching for answers.
Police spokesman Alexander Kresta was quoted by Spiegel website as saying “we are currently assuming that it was one person” after talking to numerous eyewitnesses.
In a Facebook statement, Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach said: “Tonight all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror and great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured.
“It breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we’ve lost. I pray for all those still fighting for their lives. Also my greatest sympathy for all those who had to experience this, these images must have been horrific.”
