Hamburg police shoot man with axe before European Championship game

A major operation is underway in downtown Hamburg after a man threatened police officers with an axe, officials in the German city report.

Police said they shot the man and seriously injured him. He is currently receiving medical treatment.

According to media reports, the incident occurred near a fan zone for supporters of the Dutch football team.

The Netherlands will play against Poland in the city later on Sunday in the European Championships.

A police statement said a man threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an “incendiary device.”

According to local media reports, the attack occurred around 12:30 local time (10:30 GMT).

Rory Smith, chief football correspondent for the New York Times in Hamburg, said the incident occurred on the Reeperbahn, a main street and nightlife area in the city, just a few hundred meters from the Dutch fan zone.

BBC sports journalist Gary Rose, who was also in Hamburg, said preparations for the 3pm match were going as planned.

The stadium is located about eight kilometers from the city center where the incident occurred.

There are around 30,000 Dutch fans in the city and probably just as many Polish fans. The mood before the game seems to be good and does not seem to have been affected by the incident.