Suspects nabbed
June 13, 2011
Police in Berlin have arrested a third man on suspicion that he has been involved in a recent spate of late-night arson attacks on cars in the capital.
The 46-year-old was detained late Sunday in the eastern Lichtenberg area of the city. Police said they have also issued a warrant for a fourth man.
The detained man was arrested after entering a tavern at around 2:00 a.m. covered in soot and telling the manager that he had just committed an arson attack. Locals inside the bar alerted the police and held the man until arresting officers arrived.
Investigators said they have not yet determined a motive for the arson attacks, but were not ruling out political influences.
Further suspects
On Friday, police arrested a 24-year-old and a 43-year-old in Moabit in central Berlin after tracking them by police helicopter with the aid of thermal imaging cameras. The pair was found with a bag containing barbecue charcoal lighters.
The elder of the two was released Saturday on bail, whilst the younger was released after police were unable to substantiate charges against him.
Berlin has been hit by dozens of car burnings over a period of months, with investigators yet to determine whether the attacks were being coordinated or carried out autonomously. Police and fire services were called out to four burning vehicles on Sunday alone.
The city has a history of political radicalism that has on occasion boiled over into street violence and car burnings.
Police said the investigation was ongoing.
Author: Darren Mara
Editor: Michael Lawton