In Karlsruhe, the police are in a large-scale operation because of an alleged hostage-taking. The crime is still ongoing, said a spokesman for the German Press Agency early Friday evening. One or more hostages were taken in a pharmacy.
One is in contact with the alleged hostage-taker or hostage-takers, said a police spokesman on site. According to the current status, there is no danger to the population. One cannot currently provide any information on the number of hostages or perpetrators, said the spokesman.
The crime scene is in the middle of downtown Karlsruhe on one of the main streets. The forces cordoned off the area over a wide area. Numerous police and emergency services vehicles were seen on the street. As the dpa learned from police circles, the large-scale operation grew even further in the early evening. We are currently pulling together more emergency services. For tactical reasons, the investigators initially gave no further details.
Nearby events cancelled
The police opened a school for local residents to stay in. According to the current assessment, there is no danger to the population. Nevertheless, the police called on people to avoid the area of operation and to follow the instructions of the emergency services.
The Karlsruhe trade fair canceled two evening events at short notice. An event with dog trainer Martin Rütter and a master concert are affected, said a spokeswoman for the fair on request. There is currently no way for visitors to get through anyway: both venues are part of the festival site, which is close to the site that the police have cordoned off over a large area.
