Thursday, September 19, 2024

‘Major’ police operation in German city of Mannheim following reports of knife attack

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Police have shot a knifeman who injured several people in a frenzied attack at a far-right demonstration in the German city of Mannheim.

It happened in the southwestern city’s market square shortly after 11.30am local time.

“A firearm was used against the attacker,” police said in a statement.

German news site Bild showed a video in which the knifeman is shot as he stabs a police officer in the neck from behind.

The officer was bent over and appeared to be helping another person at the time.

Image:
The incident on Mannheim’s market square. Pic: AP

Moments before, the video shows the attacker wrestling with a man on the ground and swinging wildly with a knife as others try to pull him off.

The man appears to have a leg wound.

“There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim,” the police statement said.

“A rescue helicopter is also in use. No further information can be provided at this time.”

The severity of the injuries, including to the knifeman, is currently unknown.

In a livestream earlier in the morning, Anti-Islam activist Michael Stuerzenberger was seen preparing to speak to a small crowd in the square

Bild said he was one of those injured.

Mr Stuerzenberger has been a member of several far-right groups, including the PEGIDA movement that holds regular
marches in German cities.

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