German police launch manhunt after attacks on power substations
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
German police launched a large-scale manhunt on Sunday for a 48-year-old suspect after attacks on power substations in Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony. Up to 100 police vehicles were deployed to the Hambach Forest near Kerpen, west of Cologne. The search follows the discovery of explosive devices at two substations in Saxony on September 4.
Key Facts
- Police are searching for a 48-year-old suspect from Gevelsberg in connection with sabotage attacks on power substations in three German states.
- Up to 100 police vehicles were deployed to the Hambach Forest near Kerpen, west of Cologne, on Sunday, September 6.
- On September 4, special police units searched a converted motorhome in Düren district and seized extensive evidence, including pyrotechnic devices.
- A letter received by police on September 3 claimed responsibility for the attacks and cited opposition to fossil fuel use in energy production.
- The suspect may be traveling on a black Trenoli Tazio Sportivo M bicycle with a 56-centimeter frame height.
The Manhunt
Police in North Rhine-Westphalia launched a large-scale operation in the Hambach Forest near Kerpen on Sunday, September 6. Up to 100 police vehicles were deployed to the area west of Cologne, according to dpa. A Cologne police spokesperson said searches were ongoing and that reports were being checked. The suspect, a 48-year-old man from Gevelsberg, may be traveling on a black Trenoli Tazio Sportivo M bicycle with a 56-centimeter frame height.
Evidence and Investigation
On September 4, special police units in North Rhine-Westphalia found and searched a truck converted into a motorhome in Düren district. Investigators seized extensive evidence, including pyrotechnic devices, and the vehicle is undergoing forensic examination. A special investigation team has been formed and is analyzing photo and video material as well as witness statements. Police learned of the attacks from a letter received on September 3 that claimed responsibility for the sabotage attempts.
The Attacks
On September 4, unknown explosive devices were discovered near two power substations in Saxony. Earlier, police reported two handwritten letters in which the author claimed responsibility for attacks on substations in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia. The author said the actions were motivated by opposition to the use of fossil fuels in energy production. All attacked substations are located in areas where lignite coal is still mined for electricity generation.
1 source
Time · lag behind first