7 people apparently poisoned at German university

Seven people at a German university had to seek medical attention on Tuesday after exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, according to The Associated Press.

Students and employees at the Technical University in Darmstadt reportedly began experiencing symptoms on Monday. Police said that milk cartons and water containers that appeared to have been contaminated with a harmful substance were found in a campus building, leading to an investigation into suspicions of attempted murder, the news service reported.

The liquid found reportedly gave off a powerful smell.

Police and prosecutors told the AP that other buildings on the campus were also searched for anything linked to the suspected poisoning but that nothing was found. No other people were found to have symptoms of poisoning.

In a statement, police said that there is no longer a threat of “acute danger” and that authorities are taking steps to “identify the culprit or culprits,” according to the AP.

Robert Hartmann, a prosecutor, told reporters on Tuesday that the substance found in the water and milk has been identified but will not be released publicly due to the ongoing investigation. He also added that though law enforcement officials believe that the contamination was purposeful, they do not currently have information on a specific suspect.

Technical University President Tanja Bruehl said that the news of the suspected poisoning on campus was alarming.

“We are shocked by the apparent crime that took place at our university,” she said, according to the AP.