A 14-year-old boy has been killed and 5 folks severely wounded in a knife assault in southern Austria.
Police stated the suspect is a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker who was detained on the scene in Villach, a city close to the border with Italy and Slovenia.
Police are but to ascertain a motive however have concerned extremism specialists within the investigation, a spokesman informed the BBC.
The incident passed off round 16:00 native time (15:00 GMT) close to the city’s essential sq.. Two of the 5 folks injured have been in a critical situation as of Saturday night.
A supply employee who had pushed his automobile on the attacker helped stop extra accidents, police stated.
The driving force – additionally a Syrian man – stated he witnessed the assault as he was driving by and intentionally rammed the knifeman.
The suspect was arrested shortly after by two feminine cops. As of Saturday night, he was nonetheless being interrogated, police stated.
Some witness reviews initially indicated a possible second attacker, resulting in police shutting down practice journey within the assault’s fast aftermath.
Nevertheless, native police informed the BBC they have been assured just one knifeman was concerned.
Austrian regulation means the attacker’s identification has not been launched however police confirmed he’s a 23-year-old Syrian man who lived regionally.
He had a short lived residence allow and was ready for a call on his asylum software.
Police initially stated 4 folks have been wounded however a fifth individual later got here ahead with minor accidents.
The identification of {the teenager} who was killed has additionally not but been disclosed.
Governor Peter Kaiser of Carinthia, the area the place Villach is positioned, described the assault as an “unimaginable atrocity”.
