Tragic assault at Neuschwanstein Castle leaves one dead, one injured

Source: Sky News

An American man has been arrested after a tourist fell to her death near a German beauty spot said to have inspired a famous Disney castle.

Two women, aged 21 and 22, were allegedly pushed down a ravine near Germany's picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle on Wednesday.

Police think the suspect, a 30-year-old male tourist, lured the two women from a hiking path close to the Marienbruecke Bridge, which offers a famous view of the castle.

He allegedly attacked the younger woman first.

But when her friend tried to intervene, he started choking her and then pushed the 22-year-old down a steep slope, it is alleged.

The man then resumed his attack on his younger victim and sexually assaulted her, police believe.

He's then suspected of pushing her down the slope as well, with both women falling nearly 50 meters and coming to rest close to each other.

The man fled the scene but was arrested nearby a short time later.

A mountain rescue team recovered the women and they were rushed to hospital by helicopter following the alleged assaults on Wednesday afternoon.

The 21-year-old died overnight from her injuries, it was announced on Thursday.

The 22-year-old is still being treated but is said to be "responsive".

The suspect is being held in custody following a court hearing in Kempten on Thursday.

He is being investigated on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and a sexual offense.

Police said they were focusing on trying to reconstruct exactly what happened and called for any witnesses to come forward.

Neuschwanstein, in southern Bavaria and about 65 miles from Munich, is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions.

According to the castle's website, around 1.4 million people visit every year, or about 6,000 people daily during the summer.

The site is widely known for inspiring American filmmaker Walt Disney, including in the design of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at the Disneyland theme park in California.