A knife attack in the western German city of Solingen has killed three people and critically injured four others, according to authorities.
The knife attack occurred on Friday evening at a festival in the city center and there are reports that the knife attacker is still at large.
According to the German media site Bild, the attacker attacked passersby at random.
A massive manhunt is currently underway, with police helicopters sighted hovering above the city.
Following the attack at approximately 22:00 local time (21:00 BST), city officials requested that people evacuate the Fronhof market area as police set up security cordons.
According to media reports, emergency services were on the scene, treating the injured.
According to Bild, police eventually dispatched 40 tactical vehicles to track down the stabbing suspect. Officers from the SEK (Special Task Force) command the vehicles.
Police have closed the roads and asked people to stay indoors while they conduct their search.
According to Philipp Müller, one of the festival’s organisers, emergency services were fighting for the lives of nine people. “People were shocked, but they left the square peacefully,” Mr. Müller stated.
Eyewitness Lars Breitzke told the newspaper that he realised something was amiss when he spotted a vocalist on stage with an odd expression on their face.
“And then a person fell over just a meter away from me,” stated the gentleman.
According to German media reports, the attacker purposefully stabbed his victims in the neck.
According to German media, Alexander Kresta, the police spokesman, stated that after speaking with multiple eyewitnesses, “we are currently assuming that it was one person.”
A police statement said they “have no indication of his whereabouts” or appearance.
Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach issued a Facebook comment saying, “Tonight all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror, and profound 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 who are still fighting for their lives. I also have my greatest sympathy for all those who had to experience this; these images must have been horrific.”
