News / Germany

Grenade hurled at refugee shelter in Germany

Friday, 29 January 2016 3:42 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 29 January 2016 3:43 PM ]

Firefighters prepare hoses outside an asylum seekers' shelter in Villingen-Schwenningen, southern Germany, on January 29, 2016, after someone threw an explosive device over the fence. (AP photo)

Unknown attackers have thrown a hand grenade at a shelter for asylum seekers in southern Germany, in the latest anti-refugee move in the European country.

The attack on Friday in the town of Villingen-Schwenningen caused no injuries as the device did not go off.

The grenade, which was full of explosives, was hurled over the fence at the facility at about 1:00 a.m. (0000 GMT). It was not clear if the device was fitted with a detonator.

"Security staff discovered the intact explosive device and notified the police," a police statement said, with regional police spokesman Thomas Kalmbach stressing that it was “just luck" the device did not explode.

The shelter, which is home to about 20 residents, was temporarily evacuated. However, they returned to their rooms early in the morning.

Emergency personnel are seen outside a building housing asylum seekers in Villingen-Schwenningen, southern Germany, on January 29, 2016. (AFP photo)

The attack promoted German Justice Minister Heiko Maass to promise to take action to crack down on anti-refugee crime.

He also said the grenade attack is indicative of a new level of "hate and violence,” adding, "Grenades are already flying toward refugee homes; we can't wait until there is someone dead. We need to do everything we can to ensure xenophobic crimes are more rapidly solved and punished more severely."

Germany has witnessed multiple similar attacks on residences for refugees as the country took in more than one million asylum seekers in 2015.

Earlier this month, the Federal Crime Office reported over 170 attacks against refugee shelters last year.

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are escaping conflict-ridden zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

Many blame major European powers for the exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and wars, forcing more people out of their homes.

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