State security investigates fire near memorial plaque
The Aachen state security service is investigating a fire in an apartment building in Erkelenz in the Rhineland. The house is adjacent to a wall on which there is a memorial plaque commemorating the former synagogue in Erkelenz, Aachen police announced on Saturday. The synagogue was there from 1869 to 1938.
A fire expert was called in to investigate the cause, according to the statement. According to the statement, it could not be ruled out that the background was "politically motivated".
The fire was discovered early on Saturday morning. The façade and roof truss of the half-timbered house burned in the form of a smouldering fire. There were no people in the building at the time of the fire, which is reportedly no longer habitable due to the extensive damage.
The fire's potential political motivation has raised concerns about crime in the area. Given the proximity of the fire to the memorial plaque, state security is vigilant about any potential threats to state security.
Source: www.dpa.com
