Syrian man arrested in Germany after suspected arson attack in Essen

essen - German police are investigating three fires in Essen, with 31 people injured including two children in critical condition. A 41-year-old Syrian man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and other related incidents.

German police in the city of Essen are investigating three fires that are believed to have been deliberately set. According to Die Rheinische Post (RP), 31 people were injured in the fires, including two children who are in critical condition. A 41-year-old Syrian man, who is also suspected to be involved in other incidents, has been taken into custody.

The fire department responded massively to the fires, which broke out almost simultaneously. RP reported that all three locations had significant smoke development. One of the fires occurred in the stairwell of a residential building, trapping residents inside. They had to be rescued with ladders from the exterior of the building.

The motive of the suspect is still unclear. German media reported that the man also drove a van into a grocery store in the vicinity and threatened people with a large knife. No injuries were reported in those two incidents.

Police have not confirmed if the same man was involved in both the arson and the other incidents, but they are examining the footage circulating on social media.