Gunman shot in Cologne station
A man threw a Molotov cocktail into a crowded McDonald’s cafe before taking a woman hostage in Cologne’s main railway station in what police say may have been a failed terror attack.
A 14-year-old girl suffered burns to her legs when the man, claiming to be a member of Islamic State, attacked the restaurant. He then took a woman hostage in a pharmacy inside the station complex while onlookers fled. Witnesses described him as shouting that he was acting for IS.
Police special forces stormed the station and freed the hostage, who suffered moderate injuries, according to emergency services.
The suspect was shot in the stomach by police marksmen and was said to be in critical condition last night.
The residence document of a 55-year-old Syrian who has been living in Cologne since 2016 was recovered from the scene, but police said it was not clear if it belonged to the suspect.
The owner of the residence card has a criminal record for theft.
Miriam Brauns, Cologne’s deputy police chief, said. ‘‘We also do not rule out a terrorist attack.’’
Police called on witnesses to provide any pictures or video footage that could help to determine the suspect’s motive.
Focus magazine had earlier reported that several shots appeared to have been fired in the station. Images taken outside the station showed the steps of the cathedral were crowded with travellers due to the evacuation.