Large-scale operation in Berlin-Friedrichshain: construction worker attacked with urine, six persons taken into custody
Around 200 police officers searched an occupied house in Berlin-Friedrichshain following attacks on construction workers. Six persons were taken into custody for identification purposes.
Police take six persons into custody following attacks on construction workers
Around 200 police officers conducted a search of an occupied house in Berlin-Friedrichshain on Thursday. The action was based on a judicial search warrant issued by the Tiergarten District Court, according to zeit.de. Six persons were taken into custody for police identification procedures.
The operation was triggered by acts of violence on Wednesday: two construction workers were doused with urine and injured in attacks. One man was struck in the head with a glass bottle, while the other sustained cuts to the face from glass splinters. The managing director of the construction company, two employees, and staff from a security service reported being physically attacked multiple times during the course of work.
During the search, officers seized striking weapons, blank-firing firearms, and bottles filled with urine that were fitted with pyrotechnic devices. According to police, the former hostel is currently empty and is being occupied.
Police spokesperson Florian Nath stated at the beginning of the operation: "We will establish the identity of all persons in this house. For this purpose, all persons will be led out of the house." The police emphasised that this was not an eviction.
During the operation, around 70 people gathered temporarily for a vigil near the building and expressed solidarity with the residents. Some of those present were masked. The affected area was cordoned off; police also ordered a temporary construction halt to prevent further escalation.
Emergency responders treated both injured construction workers. Investigations into dangerous assault and property damage were taken over by the state security division of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office.
Source: Google News DE — Crime (de)