Overview
- A caller reported what appeared to be a lifeless small child floating in a Halberstadt pond, prompting police, fire crews and an emergency doctor to respond.
- Responders found a doll attached to a stick with its head covered, which from a distance resembled a young child, according to a police spokesman.
- Police said the staged scene created the impression of an accident, triggering the full rescue deployment.
- An investigation has been launched against unknown suspects on suspicion of impairing emergency assistance under German law.
- Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Polizeirevier Harz at 03941/674-293.