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A fan with an axe was shot ahead of the Netherlands match against Poland
German police were forced to shoot an axe-wielding man near a Euro 2024 fan zone in Hamburg, following threats to officers with a firebomb.
The incident occurred amidst a peaceful march of thousands of Dutch supporters in the city, as the suspect, armed with a gold-coloured double-headed axe and an incendiary device, began threatening officers.
Police swing into action following threat
Four loud bangs were heard near the Reeperbahn, where fans of the Netherlands were gathering ahead of the day's match against Poland. Police initially tried to subdue the man using pepper spray before an officer fired a warning shot. When the suspect continued to pose a threat, officers shot him, causing him to fall to the ground.
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The area was immediately sealed off by riot police as they moved in to handle the situation. Video footage captured the dramatic moment when the man, dressed in black and carrying a rucksack, confronted armed officers. The footage showed the suspect being doused in pepper spray and attempting to flee before being shot by the police.
Police react to fan shooting
Hamburg police confirmed the details of the incident on social media, stating, "At StPauli there is currently a major police operation. According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device. The police then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment."
The incident did not stop the day’s match between the Netherlands and Poland from moving forward as the teams went ahead with their Euro 2024 Group D opener. After facing Poland, the Netherlands will also face France and Austria in a tricky group.
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