A yet-to-be-identified man armed with an axe was shot after he confronted police in a busy area teeming with football supporters ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament in Hamburg, Germany on Sunday.
According to authorities, the man brandished a pickaxe and attempted to ignite a petrol bomb, prompting police to intervene.
After he failed to heed warnings, officers resorted to using pepper spray and subsequently shot him.
The man sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. However, no bystanders or police officers were harmed during the incident.
Video footage circulating online captured the moment when the man engaged with police officers before shots were fired.
The location of the confrontation was on the Reeperbahn, a prominent street known for its nightlife, situated a short distance from the Dutch fanzone.
Despite the incident, the atmosphere around the football match appeared unaffected, with approximately 30,000 Dutch and a similar number of Polish fans congregating in Hamburg for the tournament.
Authorities have not disclosed any motives behind the man’s actions, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.