Police officer injured in Mannheim stabbing dies

A police officer who was left in critical condition after a mass stabbing in the German city of Mannheim on Friday has died, local authorities say.

The 29-year-old was one of six people, including anti-Islam activist Michael Stürzenberger, to be wounded by the attacker, who was detained at the scene.

The police officer was stabbed several times in the head.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery, he succumbed to his wounds on Sunday afternoon.

“This news has shaken me to the core,” said the leader of Baden-Württemberg, the state in which Mannheim is located.

“All our thoughts are with the officer’s family, relatives and colleagues,” Winfried Kretschmann added.

The stabbing shows “the often incalculable risk police officers are exposed to every day”, Mr Kretschmann said. “I would therefore also like to express my deepest sympathy to all police officers in Baden-Württemberg. We are all united with you today in deep grief.”

Earlier on Sunday, around 800 people formed a human chain on the square where the attack took place. They aimed to send a message against “violence, hatred and agitation,” organisers of the vigil said.

The attack took place at the same time as a rally in the market square hosted by Mr Stürzenberger, a far-right activist. Part of it was livestreamed on YouTube.

The alleged attacker, believed to be a 25-year-old Afghan who arrived in Germany in 2014, was shot and injured at the scene.

His alleged motive remains unclear, according to police.