NC Wolfgang Albers urged victims of the New Year's Eve sex attacks for their forgiveness

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Appearing before a committee investigating the multiple robberies and sex attacks, Wolfgang Albers urged the victims of the frenzy for their "forgiveness". Hundreds of them were surrounded, groped, fondled, had their dresses and underclothes ripped and then robbed, by the marauding gangs of migrant men in and around the main station on the last day of the year.

I beg the victims for forgiveness Wolfgang Albers, former police chief

Mr Albers was placed into "provisional retirement" days later when it was alleged he concealed "politically sensitive" information from the public about what took place. He was forced to admit that he had just half the number of officers on duty that he initially claimed were working. Albers told the committee: “I beg the victims for forgiveness." He added: "These kinds of sexual assaults are particularly humiliating."

Cologne: Sex Attacks and Robberies Tue, January 12, 2016 Thirty-one suspects, including 18 asylum seekers, are under investigation over offences including sexual assault and theft in Cologne on New Year's Eve. Far right protestors in Lepzig have rallied against refugees and German chancellor Angela Merkel. Play slideshow Reuters•Getty 1 of 22 Protestors in Lepzig rally after over 100 women were sexually assualted on New Year's Eve