Driver drives in a group of people - those involved belong to large families known to the police

In Neustadt am Rübenberge, Lower Saxony, police officers shot at a car. The driver had previously driven specifically into a group of people. Four to five people were injured, some of them seriously, said a police spokeswoman. The injured were taken to hospital, but their lives are not in danger.

According to current information, the attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Mecklenhorster Straße in Neustadt am Rübenberge. A suspect drove a BMW specifically into a group of people who were on the street at the time.

The driver left the car at the scene and fled. Whether there were other people in the vehicle at the time of the incident is the subject of the investigation. The search for them is ongoing. A dpa reporter spoke of several cars with damage - flat tires, a destroyed rear window, and bullet holes.

Three people were found at the address of the owner of the crime vehicle and were temporarily arrested. The extent to which the people are directly related to the crime is currently still part of the ongoing investigation.

According to current knowledge, those involved knew each other. Those involved belong to large families, some of whom have already come to the attention of the police in connection with clan crime. According to current knowledge, there was no danger to the population.

“The course of events and the exact involvement in the crime continue to be part of the investigation,” said a police spokeswoman.

A general police traffic check was taking place near the crime scene at Schützenplatz in Neustadt am Rübenberge. According to the spokeswoman, the officers witnessed the attack shortly before midnight. To stop the car, they then shot at the car. The crime scene was cordoned off for a few hours to secure evidence.

However, the search measures initiated immediately after the crime, which included the use of a police helicopter and numerous emergency services, were initially unsuccessful.

Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the Hanover Criminal Investigation Service on 0511 109-5555.