Leaders pay tribute to three killed in knife attack at festival in Germany

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed a commemoration service for the victims of the knife attack (Michael Probst/AP)

German leaders have paid tribute to three people killed in a knife attack by a suspected Islamic extremist which has pushed immigration back to the top of the country’s political agenda.

Eight people were also injured in the attack at the Festival of Diversity marking the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen in western Germany on August 23.