- Several people were critically injured in an attack in a gym in downtown Duisburg.
- The police spoke of “at least” one perpetrator. A “stabbing or cutting weapon” was used.
- The injured were taken to a hospital.
The Duisburg police wrote on Twitter on Tuesday evening: “According to the current status, a person injured other people with an object.” According to this, the first emergency calls were received by the Duisburg police around 5:40 p.m. The gym is opposite the town hall.
On Wednesday morning, one person was still in mortal danger and three people underwent emergency surgery, according to a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor’s office. All of the people have German citizenship, according to the police.
Legend:
The gym was secured just after 8 p.m. Tuesday night, officials said.
REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen;
According to the public prosecutor’s office, none of the victims has yet been questioned. There is still no concrete evidence of the perpetrator or perpetrators. “We’re investigating with high pressure.” More witnesses are being heard.
Customers with a chip card enter the fitness studio via a turnstile. Investigators do not yet know whether the perpetrator or perpetrators jumped the turnstile or were admitted with a ticket.
Police cordoned off a large area
According to a reporter from the DPA news agency, heavily armed special police forces were on site on Tuesday evening. Eyewitnesses were questioned by the police in a nearby restaurant, he reported. One still had his sports bag with him.
In connection with the attack, the police asked the population to avoid the affected area around the city hall in the city center. “We are on site with strong forces,” said a spokesman for the Essen police, who had taken over the press work.
The “Bild” newspaper reported that the police are assuming an amok act. Accordingly, the perpetrator or perpetrators should still be on the run. A police spokesman said no arrests had been made.
Legend:
Ambulances and helpers are on duty in front of the gym in downtown Duisburg.
KEYSTONE/DPA/Justin Brosch