Man stabbed and shouted "Allahu Akbar": Terror attack shakes Alsace

By Rachel Boßmeyer

Mulhouse - Following an attack in Mulhouse, Alsace, which left one dead and several injured, the French anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation. This was announced by the authorities.

The perpetrator attacked several police officers while shouting "Allahu Akbar" (meaning "God is greatest" in Arabic). A passer-by who intervened was also attacked by the man. He died.

Three police officers were injured in the attack in the town near the border with Baden-Württemberg in the afternoon.

The anti-terrorism public prosecutor's office is now investigating for homicide and attempted homicide with reference to terrorism. The suspected perpetrator has been arrested and is in police custody.

The police and public prosecutor's office did not initially provide any further information about him. The French news agency AFP reported, with reference to a public prosecutor, that the man was listed in a terrorism prevention file.

France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau (64) wanted to travel to Mulhouse this evening. Personnel from the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office are also expected on site.

Mayor Michèle Lutz (66) wrote on Facebook: "The horror has gripped our city." She expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.

The police initially reported that a man had attacked several people at a market and killed one person - presumably with a knife.

There have beenrepeated terrorist attacks inFrance in recent years.