Doubts cast on 'skinhead' attack

A wheelchair-bound German schoolgirl who claimed skinheads carved a swastika on her cheek probably did it herself, a prosecutor said yesterday, Reuter reports from Halle. Public prosecutor Juergen Hossfeld said the girl, 17, 'most probably' was lying when she said three skinheads had attacked her for refusing to shout Nazi slogans.

Mr Hossfeld said police had searched for the alleged culprits but there had been no leads and doubts were raised early in the investigation because no witnesses could be found.