German authorities on August 25 have identified the suspect in a deadly stabbing rampage in Solingen as a 26-year-old Syrian man, German news agencies reported.

The attack, which occurred during a festival celebrating the city's 650-year history on August 23 evening, left three people dead and eight injured in an attack believed to be linked to terror group Islamic State (IS).

Federal prosecutors named the suspect as Issa Al H., in line with German privacy laws, stating he was suspected of IS membership. They said he targeted individuals he considered "non-believers", attacking them in the neck and upper body.

"Due to his radical Islamist convictions, he tried to kill as many people as possible," prosecutors said in a statement.

The suspect turned himself in and confessed to the crime, according to a joint statement from Duesseldorf police and prosecutors.

Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, confirmed the suspect had been living in a local refugee home, which was searched on Saturday.

The attack has reignited debate over immigration and security policies. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition CDU party, called for a halt to admitting refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.

"It's enough!" Merz wrote on his website.

IS claimed responsibility for the attack via its Telegram channel on August 24, though the extent of the suspect's involvement with the group remains unclear.

Hendrik Wuest, premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, described the incident as an act of terror.

Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office reports about a dozen Islamist-motivated attacks since 2000, warning that "the risk of jihadist-motivated acts of violence remains high."

As investigations continue, mourners have created a makeshift memorial near the scene of the attack.