After several people complained of respiratory irritation in a refugee shelter in Berlin-Mitte, the police are investigating a case of grievous bodily harm. The police and fire brigade were alerted by a security guard on Friday evening, according to the Berlin police. Rescue workers treated the residents for minor injuries. Eight of them were temporarily taken to hospital.
Several children and adolescents have to go to hospital
According to the police, these include 6 children between the ages of 8 and 13, a 14-year-old teenager and a woman aged 28. An employee who was also affected declined further medical treatment.
The police assume that one or more people sprayed tear gas or a similar substance. Before the residents were taken to the hospital, they informed the police of four other refugees in the accommodation, aged 18, 21, 22 and 24, who they believe are responsible for the incident.
Suspicion not confirmed
However, an examination and search of them as well as a search of their rooms did not provide any evidence of this, according to the police. The criminal investigation department is therefore continuing its investigation.
The Berlin Fire Department reported that 36 rescue workers were deployed to the accommodation on Invalidenstraße. According to a spokesperson for the State Office for Refugee Affairs (LAF), the residents who were supposed to receive medical treatment were only slightly injured and are no longer in hospital.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240914-930-232394/1
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