Complaints Filed against Police over Cologne Mob Violence

German prosecutors said Wednesday they had received several criminal complaints against the suspended police chief of Cologne and officers for failing to prevent a spate of violence against women blamed on migrants.

"Several criminal complaints were filed against the former police chief of Cologne and other police officers in connection with the events at Cologne main rail station," said the state prosecutor for the city of Aachen.

"The complaints, which include the accusation of failing to render assistance, were received today," said the prosecutor in a statement, adding that they will be examined.

More than a week on from the alleged crime spree on New Year's Eve, Cologne police said they had received 561 criminal complaints over the violence.

Police have said that groups of men of "Arab or North African appearance" allegedly groped and robbed women in a large crowd of revelers in the city center. Two rapes were also reported.

In the wake of the rampage, Cologne police have also come under fire for failing to prevent the violence.

Police chief Wolfgang Albers was suspended Friday by regional authorities in a bid to restore public confidence in the force.