More

Man with axe shot by police in Germany ahead of Euro 2024 match

Updated
Police say they have the situation under control
Police say they have the situation under controlAFP
According to police in Germany, a man wielding a pickaxe has been shot after storming into an area filled with football fans ahead of the Euro 2024 match between Poland and the Netherlands this afternoon.

It was supposed to be a party for the Dutch, who were in high spirits at a 'fan zone' in Hamburg - but a man on a 'rampage' has terrified football fans in the area.

According to local police, the man was armed with a pickaxe and an incendiary device - but he was struck down by officers before he could take any actions. 

Several shots fired by the police brought the man to the ground at around 10:30 BST. The crime scene has been cordoned off and people are being diverted away.

According to the German newspaper Bild, the man attacked the police after they became aware of him.

The officers first used pepper spray and then reached for their service weapons and, after firing warning shots, shot the suspected assailant.

His state of health is currently critical and the reasons for the attack are still unknown.

Just an hour ago, we reported on the Netherlands fans' cheerful marches ahead of their match with Poland - and it's to be hoped that this incident can be quickly forgotten.

Two hundred local police officers and additional help from Dutch police will continue to ensure security in Hamburg.