Berlin stabbing suspect planned to kill Jewish people, police believe

A 19-year-old Syrian man suspected of stabbing a Spanish tourist at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial had planned for several weeks to kill Jewish people, Berlin police believe.

The attack took place on Friday evening, with the assailant approaching the 30-year-old victim from behind before stabbing him and fleeing the scene.

A man was arrested nearby after police noticed blood stains on his hands and clothing.

The suspect was carrying a prayer rug, a copy of the Quran, and the suspected weapon in his backpack, "suggesting a religious motivation", police said.

After being taken to hospital, victim was put into an induced coma, but his life is no longer in danger.

Police say they are examining possible connections to the current Middle East conflict - but said there is currently no evidence of links to any groups or individuals.

They are also investigating whether the suspect is suffering from mental illness.

The Berlin Holocaust memorial comprises 2,711 stone slabs and was opened in 2005 to commemorate the six million Jews of Europe murdered by the Nazi regime.

Hours after the attack in the German capital, Swedish police said they had apprehended three men near the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, on suspicion of preparing to commit violent crime. It is not believed the incidents are linked.

The stabbing took place just two days before federal elections are held in Germany.