Lengerich police incident: Man ‘doused in gasoline with lighter’ holds 2 people hostage

Police launched a major operation at a town hall in Lengerich, Germany, after reports of a man sparking panic after he reportedly doused himself in gasoline and held a lighter inside the building

Police have been dealing with a hostage situation after a man entering a building in Germany reportedly doused himself in gasoline and held a lighter this afternoon (June 23).

The male suspect, who police have identified as aged 47, took two men hostage and sparked an evacuation of the town hall in Lengerich. Police conducted a major operation that saw multiple multiple streets cordoned off around the town hall.

The man had reportedly barricaded himself into a town hall office with two employees. It was when inside the office he doused himself in “flammable liquid”. Police have confirmed the man has since been subdued by special police unites.

Both hostages were unharmed during the frightening ordeal but the suspect was reportedly in need of medical attention. According to local police, the man sustained “minor injuries from the flammable liquid”.

The majority of staff inside the people were able to successfully evacuate as the incident unfolded.

Polizei Münster, the local force, said in a statement: “A 47-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday (June 23, 12:45 p.m.) after he doused himself with a suspected flammable liquid and took two men hostage. The circumstances surrounding the incident are part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Münster police.

“To avert potential danger, police responded with a large contingent and cordoned off the town hall and surrounding streets.

“The 47-year-old had barricaded himself in an office at the town hall with two employees of the city of Lengerich. He then doused himself with the flammable liquid and, according to initial findings, was carrying a lighter.

“Special police units were able to subdue the suspect and arrest the 47-year-old Romanian national, who is known to police. He sustained minor injuries from the flammable liquid and was taken to a hospital by paramedics. The two employees were unharmed.

“Firefighters and police officers provided support to those present. The road closures have now been lifted.”

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