(MENAFN) Swastikas smeared with human blood have been discovered on numerous vehicles and buildings in the central German city of Hanau, according to local police.

The incident came to light on Wednesday when a resident reported spotting a red swastika on the hood of his car in Hanau’s Lamboy district.

Subsequent investigations revealed similar symbols on nearly 50 cars, along with several mailboxes and building facades spanning five streets.

A forensic examination confirmed that the red substance was indeed human blood, police spokesperson Thomas Leipold told reporters on Thursday.

He emphasized, however, that the quantity of blood was limited and insufficient to indicate that anyone had suffered a fatal injury.

Later on Thursday, authorities announced the arrest of a 31-year-old man, noting that he had a blood alcohol level of 1.2, indicating moderate intoxication.

Police stated that they had dismissed a political motive and believe the suspect acted in response to a workplace incident.

The individual has since been admitted to a psychiatric facility.

In Germany, displaying Nazi symbols, including the swastika, is illegal and can result in a prison term of up to three years or a monetary fine.

Police are currently treating the case as one of property damage and the use of symbols representing unconstitutional organizations.

Hanau’s mayor, Claus Kaminsky, strongly condemned the act, calling it an insult to “every boundary of decency and humanity.”

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