Two 13-year-old boys severely injured a kiosk owner during a violent robbery in Dortmund, attacking the 37-year-old with pepper spray and a machete, police said on Tuesday. The boys, identified as a Syrian and a German-Bulgarian, allegedly burst into the shop armed, sprayed the owner in the face and struck him on the head.
The victim, a Syrian national, tried to defend himself but suffered life-threatening injuries. His left thumb was severed, several fingers on his right hand were almost cut off, and he sustained deep wounds to his chest and leg. He underwent hours of surgery and is now out of danger, according to doctors.
The suspects were arrested shortly after the attack in an abandoned house, where officers recovered weapons and stolen goods. A homicide unit is investigating, as police say the violence could easily have been fatal.
Because both boys are under 14, they fall below Germany’s age of criminal responsibility. Prosecutors and youth welfare authorities ordered their release into the care of their parents and grandmother. At least one of the two is already considered dangerous by youth services.
