43-year-old German under suspicion after acid attack
Multiple people were injured by acid in Bochum. The attack is believed to have targeted a guest at a café. The suspect is now being presented to a magistrate judge.
Following an acid attack in the outdoor area of a Bochum café, an investigation is underway for attempted murder against a 43-year-old German. The suspect is expected to be presented to a magistrate judge today, a police spokesperson said.
A total of up to 14 people could have been injured in the incident. The attack is believed to have targeted a Bochum café guest who was sitting at an outdoor table, received the most acid, and was severely injured.
A woman and a waitress sitting at the same table, as well as two other guests who were witnesses to the incident, were also injured. Two more guests suffered shocks. During the treatment of the injured, police officers and firefighters also came into contact with the acid and were injured. The number of injured emergency responders was initially unclear and ranged between six and nine.
The guests had been drinking coffee and eating cake "quite relaxed" just before the attack, a police spokesperson reported. The suspect was able to be arrested shortly after the attack. A murder commission searched his apartment in Bergkamen, about 32 kilometers (air line) away, during the night on Monday. The motive and background of the attack remain undisclosed by investigators.
The crime scene was cordoned off, and investigators were securing traces. It was initially unclear which corrosive substance was used. Corresponding investigations were to clarify this.
This disturbing incident has sparked international concern. Countries around the world have expressed their condolences and offered assistance in investigating the use of dangerous chemicals in this act of violence.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident of violence coinciding with a rise in crimes involving harmful substances on the international stage.
