Hamburg police have shot a man wielding an axe just before a Euros match

There are various reports on the incident, The incident in central Hamburg involving a man with an axe and an “incendiary device” has sparked alarm and raised questions about the motive behind the attack. The police have stated that the incident is not believed to be connected to the football match between the Netherlands and Poland, which took place in Hamburg. This raises the question of what the motivations behind the attack may be.

The initial police statement indicated that the man threatened officers with a pickaxe and what was described as an “incendiary device”. Subsequent reports suggested that the attacker, armed with a pickaxe, had attempted to ignite a petrol bomb before being confronted by the police. In response, the officers used pepper spray and ultimately shot the suspect, who was then provided with medical assistance at the scene before being transported to the hospital.

Police spokeswoman Sandra Levgruen has emphasized that the incident is likely an isolated case and not linked to the football event, offering some reassurance regarding public safety in the area. These developments come amidst a backdrop of heightened security measures during major sporting events, aimed at ensuring the safety of attendees and the general public. “We are assuming that this is an isolated case, which means it is not football-related,” police spokeswoman Sandra Levgruen told reporters.

The location of the incident, which occurred near a fanzone for Dutch football supporters, is of particular concern given the upcoming match. However, reports from both local and international journalists on the ground have indicated that preparations for the match are proceeding as planned, and the atmosphere among fans remains positive, undeterred by the earlier events.

As the investigation into the incident continues, questions remain about the identity and potential motives of the assailant. The authorities have not yet provided details on the individual involved, leaving the public and media to speculate on the driving forces behind this alarming episode. The presence of both Dutch and Polish fans in the city further underscores the importance of swiftly addressing any concerns and ensuring the safety and security of all those involved in the Euro 2024 tournament.

With the match scheduled to take place a few hours after the incident, it’s clear that the focus is on maintaining a sense of normalcy and safety for the thousands of fans present in Hamburg. The location of the incident, just a few hundred yards from the Dutch fanzone, adds an additional layer of gravity to the situation, as it underscores the potential impact on fans’ experiences in the lead-up to the highly anticipated match. Nevertheless, reports from journalists at the scene suggest that the incident has not dampened the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the match, indicating a resilient spirit among the supporters despite the unsettling events.