Boy, 16, ‘stabbed’ near Christmas market in German town | World | News

A teenager was taken to hospital after suffering stab wounds near a Christmas market, police said. While the attacker, who was thought to be acquainted with the victim, allegedly fled the scene, a manhunt was launched.

The 16-year-old victim was reportedly stabbed in a street near the Christmas market in Herford in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region on Thursday (December 11). Police said the boy, who was stabbed in the back, was in critical condition and was taken to hospital. An immediate investigation, including search dogs, was launched to find the suspect.

According to the German newspaper, investigators have not yet provided any information about the suspect, who is thought to have fled the scene. Picture.

A police spokesman added that anyone with information about the stabbing should get in touch. They demand that witnesses 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 approximately 67,000 people.

Herford Christmas market transforms the town into a “sparkling winter wonderland”, according to local website Hanse. It is open to the public until December 30.

He says: “This year visitors can once again look forward to some special events: St Nicholas will make his traditional arrival across the river Werre, farmers will light up the town with festive light parades and the nostalgic Ferris wheel will offer spectacular views of Herford.

“The curling rink at Münsterkirchplatz will attract visitors, while the Christmas post office will be open in Gänsemarkt.”

The latest incident comes after five people, including a nine-year-old child, were killed when an SUV plowed into a crowd at the Christmas market in Madgeburg, Germany, last December. A total of 338 people were injured.