(Reuters) – One of two female tourists attacked by an American man near the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany has died, German police said on Thursday.
A 21-year-old woman, who had to be taken to a hospital by helicopter, died overnight from serious injuries she sustained, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital, local police said in a statement.
A suspect has been arrested, police said.
According to police the women encountered a 30-year-old American tourist on a trail near the Marienbruecke bridge, which is popular for its view of the castle, who brought them to a hidden trail leading to a viewpoint.
The man then attacked the 21-year-old, said police, and when the 22-year-old intervened, the man choked her and pushed her down a steep slope.
“According to the current state of knowledge, an attempted sexual offence to the detriment of the 21-year-old must be assumed,” said police in a statement in English.
The 21-year-old was also pushed down the slope, where she came to rest after falling nearly 50 metres, they added.
The suspect was arrested shortly afterwards, following a large police operation on Wednesday afternoon, they added.
Criminal police have taken over the investigation into attempted murder and murder, as well as a sexual offence, with the current focus on reconstructing exactly how the incident took place, police said.
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