Munich, July 8 (dpa/GNA) – At least two girls have been seriously injured in a suspected attack at a school in southern Germany, police said on Wednesday.
The alleged perpetrator, a 16-year-old boy, has been detained following the incident in Schongau, south-west of Munich.
The two girls were transported to hospital, but are not in a life-threatening condition. It was unclear whether others have been injured.
The victims are believed to be pupils at the Welfen Gymnasium school, where the incident took place. The perpetrator is said to have acted alone.
Bavarian Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann, said there is suspicion that he was a former pupil at the school, but authorities have yet to confirm this.
Police said the suspected perpetrator used a knife as a weapon, and he was also carrying a firearm. Hermman said the teen was previously receiving psychiatric treatment.
Police are investigating whether there was any prior relationship between the teenager and the two injured girls. Many pupils witnessed the violent incident first-hand and are receiving psychological support.
A help point has been set up at the local fire station for relatives and parents of pupils, while residents were told to avoid the area of the school.
A major police operation was launched, with at least six helicopters reportedly deployed. Schongau is a small town on the Lech River with over 12,000 residents. The secondary school has around 800 pupils and 80 teachers, with several other educational facilities nearby.
The incident comes days before most German states begin school holidays, although these begin later in Bavaria, at the end of the month.
GNA