Swedish police officer killed after assault at football event in Copenhagen
A Swedish police officer died following a violent assault on Islands Brygge in Copenhagen, where a large screen showed the football match between Norway and Ivory Coast.
Swedish police officer killed after assault at football event in Copenhagen
A Swedish police officer has died following a violent attack on Islands Brygge in Copenhagen. The assault occurred in connection with a large football event, where up to thousands of spectators watched Norway's match against Ivory Coast on giant screens.
According to Copenhagen Police, a disturbance broke out and the Swedish officer was struck. He was rushed to hospital, but his life could not be saved. Swedish newspaper Expressen reports that the incident took place following Norway's second goal. Investigators believe the unrest started when a beer can or similar struck the alleged attacker.
Swedish television station TV4 states that the assault on the officer was allegedly entirely without prior provocation.
The Norwegian company Fotballfesten organised the event. The company's director, Geir Oterhals, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in a written comment to NRK.
"Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by what has happened. We have been in dialogue with those close to the deceased and are focusing on supporting them and our employees," Oterhals said.
He emphasised that the company over two decades has held football parties with more than two million guests without previously experiencing anything similar.
Police released a photograph of the alleged perpetrator after the incident. On Friday morning, he appeared at the police station and turned himself in. He is now remanded in custody until 29 July – a total of 26 days. During a court hearing, he denied any knowledge of the crime and chose not to make a statement, according to Expressen.
Danish police have raised charges against the man for assault in accordance with section 244 of the criminal code, according to VG.
Source: Google News DK — Crime (da)