EXCLUSIVE: 'Knifeman' wanted over brutal stabbing in Germany is arrested in the UK

An international manhunt for a knifeman wanted in Germany in connection with a brutal stabbing ended in the UK this weekend.

Davut Elitas, 26, was held on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and brought before Westminster Magistrates' Court today, March 1 2025.

He was arrested on the EAW at Yarlswood Immigration Detention Centre in Bedford, suggesteing he had already been found to be illegally in the UK.

He is wanted by German Police for attempted murder in connection with a man aged 40, who was left with life-threatening injuries, after what police believe was a targeted attack in Heilsbronn at 8:45am on February 6.

It is believed two men had travelled to the area specifically to carry out the attack.

There was a major search for the attackers involving several police, dogs and a helicopter, but no one was caught.

German Police later named Elitas as a suspect and released an image of him and clothing worn one by one of the suspects as part of the search.

A spokesperson for the Ansbach public prosecutor's office said: "The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be treated in a hospital. The 40-year-old is currently in a stable condition and has already been questioned.

"In addition to extensive forensic measures in the area of the crime scene, the SOKO "Gundekar" conducted a large number of witness and resident interviews.

"The most recent interview was on Thursday morning (February 13, 2025), in connection with which around 200 road users were interviewed. This resulted in several interesting clues, which now need to be verified.

"In the course of the intensive and extensive investigation, the suspicion that the crime was specifically directed against the 40-year-old became stronger.

"In addition, there was increasing evidence that two men were involved in the crime, who apparently only travelled to Heilsbronn to commit the crime.

"Through extensive criminal tactical measures and investigations, it was now possible to identify the suspect as Elitas Davut."

"The SOKO "Gundekar" is currently carrying out further extensive measures to locate and arrest the suspect and his accomplice who are on the run. In addition, the motive for what happened still needs to be determined."

At a brief hearing at the court yesterday Elitas did not oppose being extradited to Germany and was remanded into custody ahead of an extradition flight on a date to be arranged.

Elitas is the latest in a long list of suspected and convicted foreign criminal who have been located in the UK, as reported previously by Essex News and Investigations.