A large-scale manhunt is underway across the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia following a shooting in Essen on Saturday afternoon that left two men seriously injured. Police are searching for the perpetrator or perpetrators following the incident, which unfolded after escalating tensions between groups of men.
Initial reports indicate a series of confrontations preceded the shooting. Witnesses reported a verbal dispute between Lebanese and Syrian men on Friday evening involving approximately 20 individuals, though it did not escalate to physical violence. According to an area resident fluent in the languages spoken, the initial argument reportedly centered around a woman. Police were alerted but the group had dispersed upon their arrival.The situation reignited on Saturday afternoon with another gathering of around ten people, resulting in renewed conflict and ultimately, gunfire.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the details surrounding the events. The injured men were transported to a hospital with serious wounds. A significant police presence, including canine units, was deployed to the scene to manage onlookers and search for evidence. Extensive search operations are currently being conducted throughout the wider Ruhrgebiet area.
