First on the platform, then on the suburban train and finally at the main station: a 22-year-old man is alleged to have attacked several people in the Cologne city area on Sunday afternoon. According to the Federal Police, the series of incidents began at around 3.10 pm at the Köln-Trimbornstraße stop. There, the Syrian suspect is alleged to have struck a passenger and attempted to pull him towards the tracks. Bystanders intervened and prevented anything worse from happening. The victim suffered bruises and grazes. The man then boarded the S19 train heading towards the main station. Near the Köln Messe/Deutz stop, he is alleged to have suddenly punched two as yet unidentified passengers in the face.
The violence continued at Cologne Central Station: in a chain restaurant, the 22-year-old is alleged to have punched and kicked a 47-year-old passenger. When federal police officers arrived, he was reportedly still punching the man, who was lying on the floor.
The officers arrested the suspect. According to the police, he was under the influence of drugs and had already come to their attention on several occasions for violent offences. Following the incident, he was admitted to a psychiatric facility.
The Federal Police are now specifically seeking the two as yet unidentified victims from the suburban train, as well as further witnesses.