The German federal police have stepped up checks at the Austrian border after a terrorist attack in Vienna left four people dead. Authorities believe that other assailants may still be at large.

Four left dead after terrorist attack in Vienna

Two men and two women died in Monday night’s attack in the Austrian capital, which took place just hours before the coronavirus lockdown came into effect. At least 17 others - including a police officer - are being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds and cuts. Seven are in a life-threatening condition, according to news agency APA. 

One attacker, who was carrying an assault rifle and a fake suicide vest, was shot and killed by police. Austria’s interior minister, Karl Nehammer, described the suspect as an “Islamist terrorist”. On Monday night, authorities indicated that they were still trying to determine whether the perpetrator acted alone. A number of arrests were made during raids on Tuesday morning and police have suggested that they are searching for at least one other fugitive. 

Angela Merkel offers condolences

As the manhunt continues, police in Austria are liaising with federal officers in Germany, who have tightened controls on the German-Austria border. “Our forces are sensitized accordingly,” said a federal police spokesperson, adding that control of the border is now a “tactical focus”. 

On Monday night, Angela Merkel made a statement condemning the attack, and offering her condolences to Austria and the victims. “Islamist terror is our common enemy,” she said. “In these terrible hours when Vienna has become the target of terrorist violence, my thoughts are with the people there and the security forces who are facing Germany… We Germans stand in sympathy and solidarity with our Austrian friends.”