German police shoot 'man with axe and Molotov cocktail' ahead of Euro 2024 game

Alex Young

16 June 2024 at 10:21 am·1-min read

German police have confirmed a man armed with an "axe-like object" and a "Molotov cocktail" has been shot ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 game between Poland and Netherlands.

The incident happened in the Reeperbahn district, near the centre of Hamburg which today is hosting the Group D game at the Volksparkstadion ahead four miles away.

Thousands of Dutch fans were in the area before heading to the game, but the area had to be cleared at around 12.30pm local time when a police officer was reportedly attacked.

Riot police soon entered the area and the attacker, who refused to drop the incendiary device, was shot in his leg.

Police mark an object on the ground after the incident (AP)

Four loud bangs were reportedly heard by members of the public nearby.A statement from Hamburg police read: "According to current findings, a man came out of a locality around 1230pm (CET) and threatened police forces with a pickaxe/axe-like object. He was asked by them to drop this item.

"He also threatened the police officers with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, which he did not drop despite being asked and continued to walk towards the officers.

Dutch fans in the Reeperbahn district (AFP via Getty Images)

"The police then used their service weapon and shot him in the leg. This prevented further attacks and no emergency services or other bystanders were injured.

"The police officers immediately provided first aid, which was continued a short time later by medical personnel. The man is currently receiving further care in a hospital."

"A football connection cannot currently be determined, nor are there currently any insights into other motivations," Hamburg police added.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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