Stadtlohn: Police clarify misunderstanding after Messer incident

Stadtlohn (ots)

On Sunday there was a commitment to the police in the city of Stadtlohn, which received great attention through a video that spread on social networks. In this video, an alleged knife attack speaks, which fueled concern among the population. The Borken district police authority now made it clear that the situation was different than initially assumed.

The authority announced that around 3:35 p.m. a witness informed the police after seeing a man with a knife in Sprakelstrasse. This witness, accompanied by other people present, followed the man who moved towards the city center. The concern was great because the knife had meanwhile disappeared from the field of vision.

the police operation

The incoming police officers were able to quickly identify the man and fixed him on site. Supported by the witnesses who obviously worried about their neighborhood, the police officers initiated further measures. The man was brought to the police station in Ahaus to clarify his identity and the facts.

Despite the initial alarm and the widespread reports of an attack, the police emphasized in their message that there was no knife attack. After a comprehensive review of the situation, the man was finally released after the investigation was completed.

importance of the incident

This incident underlines the importance of responsible information distribution on social media. In times when reports are quickly online and spread virally, misunderstandings can occur. What initially had a dramatic appearance could be defused by quick and precise police work.

The descriptions of the witness and the subsequent measures of the police show how important the attention and intervention of the civilian population are when something suspicious is observed. This commitment is an example of effective cooperation between citizens and the police, even if the situation ended up being less serious than initially suspected.

In view of the widespread reports on social media, each individual should be careful to critically question the information and not become mobile without knowing the exact situation. The incident in Stadtlohn warns to act in crisis situations.