Lone teenage gunman blamed as ten die in Munich

Lone teenage gunman blamed as ten die in Munich
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Lone teenage gunman blamed as ten die in Munich
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Police secures the area of a subway station Karlsplatz (Stachus) near a shopping mall following the shooting. (AFP/DPA)
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Police officers stand guard outside the main train station following a shooting rampage at the Olympia shopping mall in Munich, Germany. (Reuters)
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A police officer secures a street near the shopping mall the Olympia Einkaufzentrum (OEZ) in Munich. (AFP)
Updated 23 July 2016
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Lone teenage gunman blamed as ten die in Munich

Lone teenage gunman blamed as ten die in Munich

JEDDAH: Police in the German city of Munich say that a lone gunman was responsible for a shooting rampage at a shopping mall in the city which left ten dead, including the shooter.
The police, who had launched a major manhunt after reports said multiple gunmen had attacked a mall in a suburb of the city, gave a cautious all-clear after the suspect’s body was found.
Sixteen people were also injured during the gun attack.
Police said the suspect was an 18-year-old German-Iranian dual national who resided in Munich.
"The motive or explanation for this crime is completely unclear," said Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae at a press conference.
Authorities fearing further shootings, had closed highways and drafted additional security agents as the German Chancellor pledged government support for the police.
The shooting started shortly before 1600 GMT at a McDonald's restaurant near the mall.
Emergency vehicles and heavily armed members of the security services were seen at the Olympia shopping centre as pedestrians were directed to safety.
Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Germany issued an advisory note to Saudi citizens in Munich to stay indoors as a result of the ongoing security situation.
Some reports had said a gunman shouted “I am German, and I was born here,” before firing at people.
The mall is located near the Olympic stadium and is in an area with a large migrant community.
A record 1.1 million migrants and refugees were let in to Germany last year, with Syrians making up the largest group followed by Afghans.
Saudi Arabia condemned the heinous attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery. 
There was condemnation too from the White House as US President Barack Obama pledged to provide Germany with whatever help it might need to investigate the mall shooting.
The incident comes days after a teenager attacked passengers on a train with an axe. He was believed to be a lone wolf attacker who appeared to have been inspired by the Daesh group but was not a member of their network.
Europe has been on alert for terrorism in the wake of a string of attacks including bombings in neighbouring France and Belgium.