At least two people were killed and injured when a car plowed into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig, authorities said.
However, state broadcaster MDR later reported that police reduced the death toll to one, leading to conflicting reports.
City officials said about 20 other people were injured.
Police said the suspect was a 33-year-old German male.
“The driver has been arrested; there is no threat from him at present,” he said.
What do we know about the incident?
The incident occurred in the city center close to St. Nicholas Church and the University of Leipzig.
Police closed Grimmische Street, a shopping street that connects these venues to Leipzig’s market square.
german tabloid Picture The vehicle, a VW Taigo, was reported to be traveling at a high speed.
Ambulances, police cars, fire engines and an emergency helicopter were seen responding to the scene.
Saxony state police said the driver was taken into custody and posed no further threat to the public.
Emergency services have set up a help center at the nearby Gewandhaus concert hall and encouraged witnesses to come forward. Some shops and restaurants in the area have been closed.
Mayor condemns ‘shocking’ car accident
Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung confirmed the preliminary death toll and said the surrounding area had been secured.
“This is shocking. I can only express my solidarity with the victims’ families right now,” Jang told reporters at the scene.
“Everything else will have to be decided by the work of the police and investigating officers.”
Saxony’s state premier, Michael Kretschmer, also condemned what he called a “suspicious stampede”.
“This shakes me to my core,” he said in a post on X.
“This kind of act leaves us speechless – and it makes us determined. We will leave no stone unturned to investigate this matter swiftly and thoroughly. The rule of law will act in full force.”
Many more to follow…
Edited by: Alex Berry