This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51619353
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 6 | Version 7 |
---|---|
Car drives into carnival crowd in German town Volkmarsen | Car drives into carnival crowd in German town Volkmarsen |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A car has been driven into a crowd at a carnival parade in the western German town of Volkmarsen. | A car has been driven into a crowd at a carnival parade in the western German town of Volkmarsen. |
Police said about 30 people, including children, were injured, some seriously. | Police said about 30 people, including children, were injured, some seriously. |
A 29-year-old German citizen was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. Officials said a motive was currently unclear. | A 29-year-old German citizen was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. Officials said a motive was currently unclear. |
Authorities in the state of Hesse, where Volkmarsen is located, cancelled all carnival parades "as a precaution" following the incident. | Authorities in the state of Hesse, where Volkmarsen is located, cancelled all carnival parades "as a precaution" following the incident. |
What happened in Volkmarsen? | What happened in Volkmarsen? |
The incident took place during celebrations for Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday - a carnival day celebrated in some parts of Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. Schools are often closed for the day, although it is not a national holiday in Germany. | The incident took place during celebrations for Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday - a carnival day celebrated in some parts of Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. Schools are often closed for the day, although it is not a national holiday in Germany. |
Local media report that a silver Mercedes drove through plastic barricades set up for the parade and into a group of people. Police said the incident occurred at about 14:45 local time (13:45 GMT). | Local media report that a silver Mercedes drove through plastic barricades set up for the parade and into a group of people. Police said the incident occurred at about 14:45 local time (13:45 GMT). |
Eyewitnesses quoted in the German media say the driver accelerated toward the crowd and appeared to target children. | Eyewitnesses quoted in the German media say the driver accelerated toward the crowd and appeared to target children. |
German news website HNA cited witnesses as saying a man drove "at full throttle" into the crowd. | German news website HNA cited witnesses as saying a man drove "at full throttle" into the crowd. |
Police said they believed it was an attack but that there was no indication of a political motive, according to German newspaper Bild. | Police said they believed it was an attack but that there was no indication of a political motive, according to German newspaper Bild. |
In a statement, the Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt said the suspect was receiving medical treatment but would later be brought before an investigating judge. | In a statement, the Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt said the suspect was receiving medical treatment but would later be brought before an investigating judge. |
What has the reaction been? | What has the reaction been? |
Police have set up a portal for people to submit pictures or videos of the incident. They have also created an information centre for anyone affected at the town hall. | Police have set up a portal for people to submit pictures or videos of the incident. They have also created an information centre for anyone affected at the town hall. |
Hesse state leader Volker Bouffier said he was "shocked" by the incident, which had left "many innocent people seriously injured". | Hesse state leader Volker Bouffier said he was "shocked" by the incident, which had left "many innocent people seriously injured". |
In a statement, he shared his condolences with the victims and their families, while urging people not to speculate about possible motives. | In a statement, he shared his condolences with the victims and their families, while urging people not to speculate about possible motives. |
Are you in the area? Did you witness the incident? If it is safe to do so email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | Are you in the area? Did you witness the incident? If it is safe to do so email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |