Knife attack at German festival leaves several injured and dead | Crime news

The suspect who randomly attacked festival-goers in the western German city of Solingen is reportedly still at large.

According to German media reports, there was a knife attack on a “festival of diversity” that was held to mark the founding anniversary of the city of Solingen, in which several people died.

An official death toll has not yet been released, but the Associated Press quoted local police as saying three people were killed and four seriously injured.

Solingen's mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach addressed the attack in a statement on social media and confirmed that there were several injuries and deaths, but did not give any details.

“This evening we all experience shock, horror and great sadness in Solingen. We wanted to celebrate our city's birthday together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured,” wrote Kurzbach.

“It breaks my heart that there was an attack on our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.”

The Bild newspaper reported that the attacker fled the scene after apparently randomly attacking festival-goers at around 9:45 p.m. local time (7:45 p.m. CET).

The attack took place on the Fronhof, a market square in Solingen where live music was being played. Police have cordoned off the city center while investigations are ongoing.

A video circulating on social media apparently shows festival organizer Philipp Müller at the event announcing that nine people are fighting for their lives after the attack.

Solingen, a city with almost 160,000 inhabitants, is located in western Germany near the border with the Netherlands in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The “Festival of Diversity” began on Friday and was scheduled to last a whole weekend and celebrate the city’s 650th birthday.

This story will continue to develop. More details to follow.