Germany stabbing latest: Boy, 15, detained as manhunt continues after three killed in Solingen festival attack

A 15 year old boy has been detained by German police after three people were killed in a mass stabbing at a diversity festival - but the perpetrator is still at large.

A large-scale manhunt was launched last night for the perpetrator, who started attacking people shortly after 9.30pm on Friday as thousands gathered at the central square in Solingen, west Germany, for a festival to mark the city’s 650 ^th anniversary.

The detained 15-year-old was seen speaking with the perpetrator of the attack moments before it was carried out, police said in a press conference this afternoon.

Police are questioning the teenage boy, as the manhunt for the perpetrator - believed to be male - continues.

A terrorist motive has not yet been ruled out, with police saying there is no other obvious motive behind the attack. Counterterrorism officer Markus Caspers said an investigation into the motive is ongoing, but that the “overall circumstances” show that terrorism “cannot be ruled out”.

The three people who died were a 67-year-old man, 56 year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Eight people were injured, including four “very seriously”.

“The police are currently conducting a large-scale search for the perpetrator,” police said in a statement on Saturday morning.

They have assembled a large number of forces around Solingen city centre, including special units.

“Both victims and witnesses are currently being questioned,” they added.

The Festival of Diversity began on Friday and was to run until Sunday, with several stages in central streets offering live music, cabaret and acrobatics. Authorities cancelled the remainder of the weekend event.