The suspect in custody for a stabbing rampage in the western German city of Solingen that killed three people and injured eight is a 26-year-old Syrian man, authorities said early on Sunday.

The suspect turned himself in and admitted to the crime, Duesseldorf police and prosecutors said in a joint statement. "The involvement of this person is currently under intensive investigation," they said.

The suspect is affiliated with a home for refugees in Solingen that had been searched on Saturday, authorities said. 

The attack, for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility, occurred on Friday evening at a festival to celebrate the city's 650-year history.