Investigation of 21 deaths at German firm

AUTHORITIES opened an investigation into 21 deaths at a company in north-western Germany, after an employee was caught on camera poisoning a colleague’s lunch, police said.

Police said they had arrested a 56-year-old man suspected of attempting to kill a colleague at the firm in the town of Schloss Holte-stukenbrock.

The victim had noticed something suspicious in his lunch and told his employers, police said. Video footage revealed the suspect spreading a powdery substance on the victim’s food.

Tests showed it could have caused severe organ damage. During a search of the suspect’s flat, toxic chemicals such as mercury and lead, were found.

Further investigation uncovered 21 cases, dating back to 2000, of staff who had died of heart attacks or cancer shortly before retiring. Experts believe that heavy metal poisoning could have been the cause of the illnesses.

The motive was unclear, said police. They have not identified the firm, the suspect or the alleged victim.