Solingen attack: German police make second arrest over deadly stabbing

German police have arrested a second person as they investigate Friday’s stabbing attack that killed three people and injured eight in the western city of Solingen.

A man was detained late on Saturday in a building housing refugees close to the site of the attack in the city centre.

Earlier on Saturday, a 15-year-old boy was detained in connection with the stabbing that shocked Germany. He is not the main suspect – but is alleged to have known about the attack.

Two men, aged 56 and 67, and a 56-year-old woman were stabbed to death during a festival, in what Chancellor Olaf Scholz described as a “horrific act”.

A spokesperson for police in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state – where Solingen is located – said the second arrest was made late on Saturday.

The spokesperson provided no details about the individual being held.

Bild website reported that special task force (SEK) officers stormed the refugee centre, arresting a suspect.

It said the building was located about 300m (984ft) from Fronhof – Solingen’s central market square where people were stabbed on Friday night.

Earlier in the day, investigators found a knife they believe was used by the attacker.

The Islamic State group on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attack.

It did not immediately provide any evidence and it was not clear how close any relationship with the attacker was.

The attacker reportedly stabbed passers-by at random during a festival to celebrate 650 years since the industrial city of Solingen was founded.

The situation in the square after the attack was “very hectic”, which made it difficult to find the perpetrator, the police said.

They also confirmed that the attacker “targeted” people’s throats and necks.

Solingen – a city famous for its steel industry – has about 160,000 inhabitants. It lies about 25km (15 miles) east of Düsseldorf.

The city’s authorities asked people to leave the Fronhof area after the attack at about 22:00 local time (21:00 BST) on Friday.

The planned three-day celebrations of the city anniversary – for which about 75,000 people had been expected – were cancelled after the attack.

Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach later said that “all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror and great sadness.

“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 still fighting for their lives. Also my greatest sympathy for all those who had to experience this, these images must have been horrific.”

The entrance to Fronhof is now being guarded by police.

People have been bringing flowers and candles to the site of the attack that shocked the entire country.

Players from Germany’s top Bundesliga football league wore black armbands during Saturday’s matches.