German chancellor pledges tougher weapons laws in wake of Solingen attack

Olaf Scholz also promises swifter enforcement of deportation rules after three killed in last week's rampage

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has promised tougher weapons laws and swifter enforcement of deportation rules in response to the deadly mass stabbing in the western city of Solingen, as the far right seized on public outrage in the run-up to key state elections.

Scholz laid a single white rose at the scene of Friday night's rampage claimed by the Islamic State group in which a Syrian asylum seeker is alleged to have killed three and injured eight people attending a street festival marking the city's 650th anniversary.