Hamburg subway knife attack kills one, critically injures another; police hunt fourth suspect

Hamburg police still need to clarify crucial questions. Source: David Inderlied/dpa

A young man has died after a stabbing at Berne subway station in Hamburg, and another victim is fighting for his life in hospital. The homicide squad is now searching for an unknown fourth participant in the altercation and is appealing for witnesses from the night in northeastern Hamburg.

Police Appeal for Witnesses

Following the fatal knife attack at Berne subway station, police are seeking information from the public about a man who has not yet been identified and is believed to have been involved in the dispute. Tips can be reported to police at 040/4286-56789 or at any police station.

The Incident

During the altercation in the early hours of Sunday, a 24-year-old man was so severely injured with a knife that he later died in hospital. A 19-year-old also sustained life-threatening stab wounds, underwent emergency surgery, and was subsequently reported to be out of danger or in stable condition.

According to the current state of the investigation, four men became involved in a fight around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday evening in the area of Berne subway station in the Farmsen-Berne district. The reason for the dispute remains unclear. The altercation is said to have escalated quickly, with one participant reportedly drawing a blank-firing gun and firing several shots. Knives were also used.

Possible Perpetrator Fled by Taxi

One of the two seriously injured men dragged himself to a nearby apartment on Berner Koppel. It was initially unclear who alerted police and rescue services.

After the crime, police launched an immediate search with more than a dozen patrol cars. Based on witness tips, officers arrested a 22-year-old Hungarian national shortly afterward. He is believed to have left the crime scene in a taxi.

Investigators seized a blank-firing gun and several knives from the arrested man or in connection with the crime. Whether the 22-year-old is responsible for the fatal stabbings remains unknown. Police have not provided further details.

Participants Linked to Drug Scene

It is also unclear whether the four men knew each other and what sparked the dispute. Media reports mention an altercation within the Hamburg drug scene.

Investigators are currently working to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Of particular importance is identifying the fourth participant, who remains at large. Police are asking anyone who made suspicious observations near Berne subway station on Saturday evening or who can provide information about the unknown man to come forward.

Tips are especially sought regarding:

• The course of the altercation
• Possible escape routes
• The identity of the fourth man

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