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Murder-suicide in Vienna’s Hietzing district

The bodies of an elderly couple have been found in their apartment in Vienna's Hietzing district, in what police have said is a suspected case of murder-suicide.

Published: 14 September 2015 12:16 CEST
Murder-suicide in Vienna's Hietzing district
The apartment block in Thomas-Morus-Gasse. Photo: ORF

Police spokesman Christoph Pölzl said that the bodies of a 77-year-old man and his 76-year-old wife were found early on Monday morning in an apartment in Thomas-Morus-Gasse, and a gun was discovered lying near to their bodies.

Neighbours had become worried about the couple and called police. Police gained access to the couple's apartment through a window, with the help of a fire brigade.

Pölzl said that the body of a dog, who had also been shot, was found in the couple's apartment.

“Due to the way we found the bodies we believe we are dealing with a case of murder-suicide,” Pölzl said. The 77-year-old man had a license for the gun, which police think was used in the shootings. A suicide note has not been found.

Last week the bodies of an elderly woman and her daughter were found in the Simmering district, in another suspected case of murder-suicide.

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CRIME

UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating,” they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification but has not yet received a response.

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