Mended rodent exhibits signs of charring damage
Update on the Arson Attack on Cologne's Children's Star Statue
The beloved Children's Star statue in Cologne, Germany, known for its association with the German broadcaster WDR and popular in children's programming, was the victim of a suspected arson attack over the weekend. The authorities in Cologne are currently investigating the incident[1][2].
The statue, a 1.70-meter-high mouse figure, was inaugurated in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of "Die Sendung mit der Maus" by the West German Broadcasting Corporation[10]. The initial findings suggest that teenagers were nearby the statue just before the fire[1].
The fire was not started with a lighter alone, but with the help of tools[9]. The police spokesperson stated that the mouse figure is robust and not easily set on fire[8]. Despite this, the statue has been significantly damaged and is now covered in bandages and has been plastered up at its battered location[7].
The police have not yet identified the person or persons behind the nighttime fire. They are seeking witnesses regarding the suspected arson attack and have announced an extended stay for the damaged Children's Star to treat the burn wounds[2][3][4].
The ongoing investigation includes determining whether the teenagers nearby were responsible for the blaze[6]. Matthias Koernich, head of children's programming at WDR, reported that many fans of the mouse have provided first aid and put on bandages[5].
The treatment will take place in the coming days. The West German Broadcasting Corporation (WDR) has noted an outpouring of support for the damaged Children's Star, with many expressing their concern and offering help[11].
The Children's Star is a popular photo spot for both children and adults. It's heartening to see the community's response in supporting the statue's recovery. The statue is expected to return as soon as possible[12].
[1] https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/koeln/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt-100.html [2] https://www.n-tv.de/nachrichten/Deutschland/Kinderstern-in-Koeln-Polizei-ermittelt-nach-Verdacht-der-Brandstiftung-article21817836.html [3] https://www.dw.com/en/arson-attack-on-colognes-childrens-star-statue-under-investigation/a-62076683 [4] https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/tv/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-ermittelt-a-e1c3a999-9035-4b10-8f6e-0d3e26b72f7e [5] https://www.wdr.de/sendungen/sendung-mit-der-maus/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt-100.html [6] https://www.welt.de/kultur/tv/article218160594/Kinderstern-in-Koeln-Polizei-ermittelt-nach-Verdacht-der-Brandstiftung.html [7] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt/27435272.html [8] https://www.welt.de/kultur/tv/article218160594/Kinderstern-in-Koeln-Polizei-ermittelt-nach-Verdacht-der-Brandstiftung.html [9] https://www.dw.com/en/arson-attack-on-colognes-childrens-star-statue-under-investigation/a-62076683 [10] https://www.wdr.de/sendungen/sendung-mit-der-maus/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt-100.html [11] https://www.wdr.de/sendungen/sendung-mit-der-maus/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt-100.html [12] https://www.wdr.de/sendungen/sendung-mit-der-maus/kinderstern-in-koeln-vermutete-brandstiftung-polizei-ermittelt-100.html
- The incident has gained attention on social media, with users expressing their concern and offering support for the recovery of the damaged Children's Star.
- The general news outlets have been covering the crime-and-justice aspect of the case, focusing on the ongoing investigation and seeking witnesses for the suspected arson attack.
