Syrian Man Arrested in Germany on Suspicion of Arson and Ramming Vehicle into Shops

The police in Essen, western Germany, arrested a Syrian man on suspicion of causing two intentional fires and driving a van into two shops. As a result of these fires, 30 people were injured. According to the police, emergency services were alerted around 5 PM local time on Saturday, October 29, about two fire incidents in residential buildings. Eight of the injured are children who have sustained serious injuries, and two of them are in critical condition due to smoke inhalation. Shortly after the fires, a van crashed into two shops, causing damage, but no one was injured. The driver of the van then threatened people with a weapon, but several bystanders managed to push him back and hold him until the police arrived. The police identified the arrested individual as a 41-year-old Syrian citizen residing in Essen. According to the police, the man's actions were not politically motivated; it appears that his wife had left him, and he attacked the homes and shops of those who had supported her. The suspect has not yet spoken about the incidents on Saturday; however, he had previously been known to the police for threatening and violent behavior and damaging others' property. Prosecutors have requested an extension of his detention on suspicion of arson and attempted murder.