German police have confirmed they shot and wounded a man they say was armed with a pickaxe and firebomb in Hamburg just hours before the city staged its first game of Euro 2024.
Officers opened fire onto a man, hitting him in the leg, after he refused to put down the axe and Molotov cocktail.
A spokesperson for Hamburg police said the man was admitted to hospital with his injuries and that no one else was hurt.
Reports on social media said the incident took place near a fan park where Netherlands fans were gathered ahead of their game with Poland.
A post on X from Police Hamburg read: “There is currently a major police operation in #StPauli.
“According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device.
“The officers then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.”
Pictures on social media had earlier shown thousands of Netherlands supporters in the city enjoying the build-up to the Group D game against Poland.
Police added there was no initial indication that the incident was related to the match.
The game took place at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, with the city’s fan park situated in the St Pauli district.
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