Around 20 individuals have sustained injuries following a pepper spray attack at a vocational college in Cologne, Germany, this morning. The incident occurred at Humboldtstraße vocational college in the Perlengraben area at approximately 10am local time. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where police believe multiple assailants were involved in the attack.

Initially, reports indicated that six people were injured, but this number has since increased significantly, according to updates from German authorities. Victims have reported experiencing sudden respiratory issues and eye irritation, with some requiring hospital treatment. Both students and teachers were among those affected.

The ambulance service confirmed that around 50 students and teachers from two classes were involved in the incident. A total of 44 emergency personnel and 20 vehicles from the fire department and ambulance service were dispatched to assist.

A spokesperson for Polizei Köln stated, "According to initial witness statements, several unknown individuals sprayed pepper spray in the school hallways at around 10am and then fled." Authorities are currently appealing for information from the public regarding the attack.

This incident marks the second occurrence of pepper spray being used in an educational setting in less than a month. A previous attack at the European School in Cologne-Zollstock involved a single individual using pepper spray after allegedly being assaulted by fellow students. That incident resulted in nine children, aged between 12 and 14, being taken to hospitals for further treatment.