Police arrest German man, 49, over fatal attack on 66-year-old in Herkenbosch

Police in Montfort, Limburg, have arrested a 49-year-old German man in connection with the killing of a 66-year-old resident of Herkenbosch, who was attacked with a pole fitted with a knife.

The victim was stabbed with the object at around 8:10 a.m. on Monday, September 15. The incident took place on the Van der Landelaan in the Limburg town. The victim was discovered gravely injured in the garden by emergency responders, but died soon after from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene. It was reported that he wore a balaclava during the murder.

Immediately after the incident, a nearby primary school (De Berensprong) was placed on lockdown as a precaution; pupils remained inside during recess.

Following the arrest, detectives are conducting an investigation at a property on Kerkstraat in Montfort. A neighborhood inquiry is also being carried out in the area. The police have stated that further arrests are not being ruled out.

The homemade weapon found was a long, gray pole approximately 1.5 to 2 meters in length. A kitchen knife had been attached to it, as shown in photos released by the police.

VML Nieuws identified the victim as Paul Vossen of Roermond, a well-off man who had retired from the financial sector in 2022. It was reported that Vossen had lived with his wife in the bungalow on Van der Landelaan, a quiet street lined with several villas, since 1997. Neighbors said he lived a peaceful life and largely kept to himself.