Operation at 2 crime scenes

Bundeswehr soldier allegedly killed four people

Shots were fired at a detached house in Westervesede in the municipality of Scheeßel and in the municipality of Bothel in the district of Rotenburg in Lower Saxony on Friday night. A Bundeswehr soldier is said to have killed four people. 

The affected property in Scheeßel was cordoned off on a large scale and police with submachine guns stormed the building. Emergency services were positioned throughout the town, and a helicopter was also deployed. Several patrol cars could be seen, houses were surrounded.

Molotov cocktail found in car
The suspect handed himself in to the police in the early morning. He is said to be a soldier in the German army. The man's car was searched for weapons and explosives. The police seized a Molotov cocktail ready to hand in the driver's door. Ammunition was found in the trunk.

"Motivational situation in the family environment"
 "Several victims" are to be deplored in the family home in question, including a child, reports "Bild". Specifically, there is talk of the shooter's ex-partner and a child, as well as the ex's new partner and his mother.

The shots were fired at around 3.30 am. The police suspect a family drama: "A motive in the family environment cannot be ruled out."

Shots fired in neighboring village
It is not believed to be the only crime scene, as shots were also fired in the neighboring town of Bothel during the night. Bothel is about 15 minutes by car from Scheeßel. The investigation is ongoing.