Knives Found During Investigation Into Attack On German Students

Garda investigating the stabbing of two German students have recovered three knives.

Forensic tests are underway to establish if any of them were used in the killing of Thomas Heinrich, 22 and the stabbing of his friend, Robert Rinker 22.

Officers recovered the knives during a search of the Rialto area of Dublin, close to the Herberton apartment complex where the savage attack happened early on Saturday.

Forensic experts are also analysing blood-stained clothing found nearby. Most of it was found in a skip and the tests are expected to determine if it belongs to either of the two young suspects, who were questioned about the attack.

Officers are satisfied that three local youths were involved in the initial exchange of words with the students.

One teenager, who has been arrested in relation to the killing, is also a suspect for a city-centre bottle attack on two American tourists.

It is understood that Heinrich and Rinker were standing on the balcony of their first-floor apartment after a night out when three youths abused them from the street below, with one of them throwing an empty beer can at the students.

The two men went downstairs and after an argument the youths left.

Shortly afterwards two of the three returned, armed with knives, and began hurling abuse at them again. When the Germans went out to confront them they were attacked with the knives.

Mr Heinrich was stabbed in the stomach and died later in hospital. Mr Rinker sustained injuries to his hands and was also slashed in the side of the head but is recovering from his wounds.

The two were questioned over the weekend and released without charge, pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will determine if charges should be brought.

(H/GK)