At least 3 people killed in knife attack at festival in Germany

At least three people have died and four others have been seriously injured after a man attacked festival-goers with a knife in the western German city of Solingen on Friday.

Local media reported that the attacker stabbed several random passersby during the celebration in the streets of the city center.

The attacker is believed to have fled the scene and police began a search operation to find him. A few minutes after the incident, police helicopters were seen flying over the city.

The attack took place during a festival commemorating Solingen’s 650th anniversary.

Mayor Tim Kurzbach addressed the incident, offering his “deepest condolences” to the victims and “everyone who had to witness this.”

“Tonight we are all in Solingen in shock, fear and very sad (…) I get tears in my eyes when I think of the people we have lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.”

The Solingen Festival

The place where the attack took place is a square known as Fronhof, located in the centre of the city. At the time, musical acts were performing.

It is close to several restaurants along a wide street and is located near a shopping center.

The attack occurred as the city was commemorating its 650th anniversary with a celebration called Festival of Diversity.

German newspaper Bild, citing event organisers, said the celebrations would run until Sunday and were expected to attract some 80,000 visitors over three days.

Authorities have asked citizens not to leave their homes while the search for the attacker continues.

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