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Austrian police car (symbol photo)
Photo: Tobias Steinmaurer / IMAGO
A man, a woman and six children between the ages of seven months and five years have apparently been living illegally in a wine cellar in the Austrian town of Obritz.
Because there were tips from neighbors, two officials wanted to investigate the matter on Thursday.
During the check, the man is said to have attacked and injured her with pepper spray.
The 54-year-old then barricaded himself in the basement, reports the police.
By order of the public prosecutor's office, the cellar was opened and searched.
The officers discovered the woman and children next to the man.
Various media unanimously reported on the case, including the ORF.
In addition to the people, the officials are said to have found several firearms.
Children in the care of the youth welfare office
The 54-year-old was arrested for the time being, but should now be free again.
Because the identity of the children could not be clarified on site, they were taken into the care of the youth welfare office.
The children are said to have been neither locked up nor neglected.
According to the police, they are not reported in Austria, reports the ORF.
The man is said to be Austrian, but apparently previously lived in England.
According to him, the children were also born there.
Neighbors had complained about video cameras and reported children's voices coming from the basement.
The case may be related to so-called preppers.
The man is said to have bought more cellars in the area.
It is not yet clear how long the man, the woman and the children have lived in the basement.
kfr
