Scenes from hell visit Dortmund: Police investigate Islamist link over Borussia Dortmund bus attack

Borussia Dortmund bus. Photo: Courtesy

German police are investigating a possible Islamic extremist link to the bombing of the Borussia Dortmund football team’s bus, German media said.

A letter found near the scene cites the Berlin Christmas market attack and military operations in Syria.

It is not yet clear if the letter is genuine.

Meanwhile, German federal prosecutors, who normally lead investigations related to terrrorism, are taking over the probe.

German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the letter, beginning with the phrase “in the name of Allah”, mentioned Germany’s use of Tornado jets in the coalition forces fighting so-called Islamic State (IS).

IS said it carried out the attack on a Christmas market in Berlin.

But it is possible the perpetrators are deliberately trying to mislead the investigation, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported, adding that an analysis of the letter by experts is under way.

The German news agency DPA also reported there is a second letter circulating online, claiming an anti-fascist group had carried out the attack.

The second letter, posted on an anti-fascism online portal, claimed the attack was motivated by the club’s alleged tolerance for racists and right-wing fans.

The club has clamped down on such fans in the past.