Bielefeld: Revellers attacked - police speak of planned assault
Following a stabbing attack in front of a bar in Bielefeld that left several people injured, police in the North Rhine-Westphalian city are searching for the fugitive perpetrator, who is presumably still armed. According to the emergency services, the attack took place in the city centre early on Sunday morning at around 4.20 am.
A previously unknown person is said to have approached the group. According to the police, he then injured several people with a "sharp object". According to the latest reports, at least five people were injured, three of them seriously.
According to witnesses, the perpetrator attacked his victims indiscriminately with a knife and a cane sword. Footage from the crime scene shows forensics securing a weapon - a walking stick with a retractable blade.
Other guests overpowered the attacker and inflicted facial injuries in the process. Nevertheless, he managed to break away and flee on foot. He left a rucksack at the scene of the crime.
Investigators from the "Kurfürst" homicide squad, led by First Chief Inspector Markus Mertens, recovered the rucksack from the area around the crime scene. According to BILD, it contained further weapons, a bottle of flammable liquid and a residence permit issued to a Syrian national. According to the newspaper, the police are currently categorising the attack as a premeditated assault.
The injured are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. The fugitive is around 1.70 metres tall and was reportedly wearing a white T-shirt, a dark jacket and a cap. He may have injuries to his face.
The police are asking for information on their info portal and for people to keep their distance from the perpetrator if they see him, as he could still be armed. A homicide squad has been set up.
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