One killed, two seriously injured in attack at German care home

An 86-year-old woman was killed and two others seriously injured in a knife attack at a care home in western Germany, police said.

The two injured women were aged 81 and 83, one of whom was in a life-threatening condition, a police spokeswoman said. All three victims were residents of the home in the town of Olfen, near Dortmund.

The attacker, a 72-year-old man who also lived at the home, was arrested without resistance, police said. A homicide investigation team has been set up.

According to police, the man stabbed the women in the care home's cafeteria on Friday evening. The 86-year-old died at the scene. He also attacked other residents with the knife.

The Bild newspaper reported that the attack took place at the St Vitus-Stift care home. Two rescue helicopters landed outside the building in the evening. Police also responded in large numbers.

According to its operator, the St Vitus-Stift care centre is home to 77 elderly people who require nursing care and support due to health problems. 

The facility also includes 36 accessible assisted-living apartments and residential groups for elderly people with dementia. The centre is run by the town of Olfen.