German police have arrested a second person as they investigate Friday’s stabbing attack that killed three people and injured eight in the western city of Solingen.
A man was detained late on Saturday in a building housing refugees close to the site of the attack in the city centre.
Earlier on Saturday, a 15-year-old boy was detained in connection with the stabbing that shocked Germany. He is not the main suspect – but is alleged to have known about the attack.
Two men, aged 56 and 67, and a 56-year-old woman were stabbed to death during a festival, in what Chancellor Olaf Scholz described as a “horrific act”.
A spokesperson for police in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state – where Solingen is located – said the second arrest was made late on Saturday.
The spokesperson provided no details about the individual being held.
Bild website reported that special task force (SEK) officers stormed the refugee centre, arresting a suspect.
It said the building was located about 300m (984ft) from Fronhof – Solingen’s central square where people were stabbed on Friday night.
Earlier in the day, investigators found a knife they believe was used by the attacker.
The Islamic State group on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attack.
It did not immediately provide any evidence and it was not clear how close any relationship with the attacker was.
The attacker reportedly stabbed passers-by at random during a festival to celebrate 650 years since the industrial city of Solingen was founded.
The situation in the square after the attack was “very hectic”, which made it difficult to find the perpetrator, the police said.
They also confirmed that the attacker “targeted” people’s throats and necks.
