German police shot dead ‘man with an ax and a Molotov cocktail’ before the Euro 2024 match

German police have confirmed that a man armed with an “axe-like object” and a “Molotov cocktail” was shot ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 match between Poland and the Netherlands.

The incident took place in the Reeperbahn district, near the center of Hamburg, where the Group D match is being played today at the Volksparkstadion, four miles away.

Thousands of Dutch fans were in the area before heading to the match, but the area had to be cleared around 12:30 local time when a police officer was reportedly attacked.

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

According to reports, nearby residents heard four loud bangs. A statement from the Hamburg police reads: “According to current findings, the man left the area around 11:30 p.m. (CET) and threatened the police with a pickaxe/an object resembling an axe. He was asked by them to abandon this item.

“He also threatened police officers by holding a Molotov cocktail in his hand, which he did not drop despite his requests and continued walking towards the officers.

“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 immediately provided first aid, which was then continued by medical staff. The man is currently under further care in hospital.”

“At this time, no football connection can be established and there is no insight into other motivations,” Hamburg police added.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.