A significant police operation is underway in central Hamburg after a man armed with an axe threatened police officers, resulting in him being shot and seriously injured. The incident occurred near a fan zone for Dutch football supporters ahead of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 match against Poland.
The confrontation began around 12:30 local time (10:30 GMT) when the man, armed with a pickaxe and an incendiary device, threatened officers. Initial police statements indicated he wielded a pickaxe and an incendiary device. Later reports clarified that the man attempted to ignite a petrol bomb, prompting police to respond with pepper spray and gunfire.
Video footage circulating online shows the man brandishing the axe in front of officers before the sound of gunshots can be heard. The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, is currently receiving medical attention for his injuries.
The incident took place on the Reeperbahn, a major street and nightlife area in Hamburg, just a few hundred yards from the Dutch fan zone. Despite the chaos, preparations for the match, scheduled to kick off at 15:00 local time, continued as planned.
Authorities have not commented on the motivations behind the incident. The New York Times’ chief soccer correspondent, Rory Smith, reported from Hamburg, stating the location was close to the Dutch fan zone. BBC Sport journalist Gary Rose, also in Hamburg, noted that the atmosphere among the fans remained positive and unaffected by the incident.
With around 30,000 Dutch and a similar number of Polish fans in the city, the incident has not dampened the spirits of those in town for the match. The stadium, approximately five miles from the city center, remains secure, and the game is expected to proceed without further disruption.