Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dusseldorf station attack: 'Several injured' after man goes on axe rampage

Suspect arrested at scene but motive remains unclear

Benjamin Kentish
Thursday 09 March 2017 16:37 EST
Comments
Police enter the main railway station in Dusseldorf following what police described as an axe attack
Police enter the main railway station in Dusseldorf following what police described as an axe attack (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anti-terror police have sealed off Dusseldorf station in Germany after reports of an attack involving a man armed with an axe.

Five people are believed to have been injured and images posted on social media showed paramedics treating the wounded. One victim is said to be in a serious condition but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

A suspect has been detained by police but the motive for the attack is currently unknown. Reports suggest the attacker tried to flee by jumping off a bridge but was detained by officers.

Trains are not stopping at the station.

A member of station staff told German newspaper Bild: "We were standing on the track, waiting for the train. The train came, and suddenly someone jumped out with an axe and started hitting people. There was blood everywhere. I have experienced a lot, but I have never experienced anything like this."

Eyewitnesses reported how injured people were taken from the station. Local police urged people not to speculate about the motive for the attack, dismissing unfounded claims as "useless".

The attack comes months after a terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin killed 12 and injured 56 more after a lorry was driven into crowds of shoppers.

“The German government has announced that increased security has been put in place as a precaution at public buildings, major events, transport hubs and large public gatherings.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in