England fans injured in attacks ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final

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Five people were injured when Dutch fans attacked English supporters ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund tonight, British police said.

A statement added that English fans in Dortmund were asked to stay in areas with German police presence ahead of today’s match.

The attacks took place in bars where England fans were drinking ahead of the match, which kicks off at 9pm local time tonight.

The British police statement said that groups of Dutch fans classified as a “risk group” had travelled to Dortmund before the game.

“Apparently there have been several cases where Dutch fans have attacked English fans in bars and tried to steal flags,” police said.

“As far as we know, five people were slightly injured.”

Videos on social media showed fans in orange Netherlands shirts throwing stools and glasses outside a bar in the city while English fans sought shelter inside.

Before the match, an estimated 75,000 Dutch fans are in Dortmund, while around 17,000 English supporters are in the German city.

The majority of fans gathered peacefully in the hours before the semi-final, although riot police were called to a fan zone after reports of overcrowding.