German police shoot dead an axe-wielding man near the European Championship fan zone during a Dutch march in Hamburg hours before a football match after he threatened police officers with a firebomb

• Four loud bangs were heard near the Reeperbahn in Hamburg.

German police shot dead a man with an axe near a European Championship fan zone during a Dutch fan march in Hamburg today after he threatened police officers with a firebomb.

Thousands of Dutch supporters were taking part in a peaceful march when a man allegedly began threatening an officer with a gold-colored “double axe” and an “incendiary device.”

At around 12:30 local time, four loud bangs were heard near Hamburg’s Reeperbahn, where Dutch fans had gathered before today’s game.

Riot police intervened, cordoned off the area and attempted to disarm him with pepper spray before an officer fired a warning shot.

The officers then shot the axe-wielding man, who fell to the ground.

The Netherlands play Poland in town later today.

Hamburg police said he was currently receiving medical treatment.

Video footage shows a man dressed in black and carrying a backpack holding an axe and a firebomb in the busy neighborhood and shouting at armed officers near a barrier.

He turns around, is doused with pepper spray, and runs up the street as passersby scurry across the road.

Officers climb over the barrier and shoot the man, who then falls to the ground.

The Hamburg police wrote on X/Twitter: “There is currently a major police operation at #StPauli.”

“According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device. The police then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.”

The incident occurred after thousands of German police officers took action against tens of thousands of Dutch fans who turned Hamburg’s red-light district Reeperbahn into a sea of ​​orange on Saturday evening.

The night seemed to pass without incident. There were few Poles present and there was little sign of the Dutch becoming aggressive.

Before the tournament, British police had stated that the reputation of the national team’s fans was far better than that of club fans who had caused chaos at club competitions.

Images on social media had previously shown thousands of Dutch fans in the city enjoying the excitement ahead of the Group D match, which is scheduled to kick off at 2pm BST.

The venue for the game is the Hamburg Volksparkstadion, the city’s fan park is located in the St. Pauli district.