A teenager was rushed to hospital after suffering a stab wound near a Christmas market, police said. The suspect attacker, who is believed to have been known to the victim, allegedly fled the scene and a manhunt has been launched.
The 16-year-old victim was reportedly stabbed on a street near the Christmas market in Herford, located in the North Rhine-Westphalia area of Germany, on Thursday (December 11). Police said the boy is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in the back. An urgent investigation has now been launched, including the use of sniffer dogs, to find the suspect.
Investigating officers are yet to release any information on the suspect, who is believed to have fled the scene, As reported by German newspaper Bild.
A police spokesperson added that anyone with relevant information on the stabbing should get in touch. They are appealing for witnesses to come forward as soon as possible.
Herford is a city located between the Wiehen Hills and the Teutoburg Forest in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. Latest statistics show the town has a population of around 67,000 people.
According to local website Hanse, Herford Christmas market transforms the city into a "glittering winter wonderland". It is open to the public until December 30.
It says: "This year, visitors can once again look forward to some special highlights: St. Nicholas will make his traditional arrival via the Werre river, farmers will light up the city with their festive illuminated parade, and the nostalgic Ferris wheel will offer a fantastic view over Herford.
"The curling rink on Münsterkirchplatz will attract visitors, while the Christmas post office will be open on Gänsemarkt."
The latest incident comes after five people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed after an SUV was driven intoa crowd at the Christmas market in Madgeburg, Germany, last December. A total of 338 people were left injured.
