Police officers in Frankfurt have been set upon by gangs while trying to disperse crowds that had gathered over the warm Easter weekend. Social distancing measures are in place to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Image: picture-alliance/HMB Media/H. Becker
Advertisement
Police in Germany's financial capital, Frankfurt, were attacked by men with stones and iron bars while enforcing social distancing measures to slow the spread of coronavirus, authorities said on Saturday.
In a statement, police said officers stopped their car when they saw a large group of people in the street on Friday who were blatantly ignoring lockdown rules.
As one officer stepped out of the patrol car, one of the group threw a large stone at the vehicle. The group then ran away and the officers were unable to catch them.
Shortly afterward, a second officer was attacked by around 20 people as the officer got out of the vehicle.
"Some of the men were armed with stones, roof tiles and iron bars and were threatening the officers," the statement added. When the officers chased after the group, one person threw a five-kilogram metal plate, which missed its target.
How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Police around the world have been working to enforce stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods vary in different countries. Some carry out arrests, while others take a more polite approach.
Image: Reuters/P. Ravikumar
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A detained man crouches in front of policemen enforcing the lockdown. Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Image: DW/H. U. R. Swapan
Kathmandu, Nepal
A Nepalese police officer maintains distance as he detains a man defying the lockdown imposed by the government. Kathmandu, Nepal, March 29.
Image: Reuters/N. Chitrakar
Chennai, India
Police force residents to do sit-ups as a punishment for breaking the lockdown. Chennai, India, April 1.
Image: Reuters/P. Ravikumar
Bangkok, Thailand
Thai police officers wearing protective masks stop a man on a motorcycle at a checkpoint. Bangkok, Thailand April 3.
Image: Reuters/J. Silva
Ahmedabad, India
Members of a rapid action force patrol a neighborhood urging people to remain indoors. Ahmedabad, India, April 1.
Image: Reuters/A. Dave
Mogadishu, Somalia
Police attempt to disperse revelers swimming in the Indian Ocean near Lido Beach as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Mogadishu, Somalia, April 3.
Image: Reuters/F. Omar
Brighton, England
A police community support officer speaks with a beachgoer at Brighton Beach in the UK, April 4.
Image: Reuters/P. Cziborra
Jerusalem, Israel
Israeli police detain an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man in the Mea Shearim neighborhood during a partial lockdown. Jerusalem, Israel, March 30.
Image: Reuters/R. Zvulun
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Members of Guatemala's National Civil Police escort men detained for breaking curfew. Guatemala City, Guatemala, April 3.
Image: Reuters/L. Echeverria
Los Angeles, California, USA
Los Angeles Police Department officers verify permitted passenger travel at Union Station. Los Angeles, California, April 4.
Image: Reuters/K. Grillot
Moscow, Russia
During a snowfall in Moscow's Red Square, a police officer gives instructions to pedestrians after the city authorities announced a partial lockdown. Moscow, Russia, March 31.
Image: Reuters/M. Shemetov
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A police officer orders a sunbather to leave a closed beach. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 28.
Image: Reuters/L. Landau
Near Cape Town, South Africa
Soldiers and a police officer are seen among shacks in Khayelitsha township as authorities attempt to enforce a nationwide lockdown. Near Cape Town, South Africa, March 27.
Image: Reuters/M. Hutchings
13 images1 | 13
Apartment raided
After a longer search, including the use of a helicopter, police tracked down and arrested six suspects in an apartment in the city. They confiscated several weapons at the flat, including samurai swords and knives.
This is the first such incident reported in Germany, where residents have generally respected the strict regulations that have been put in place nationwide to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Good Friday was a public holiday in Germany and police were concerned that some people may take advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures outside or meet with family and friends.
Police across Germany have issued fines to those flouting measures and have been patrolling public spaces. Lockdown measures are in place until at least April 19, and are expected to be extended.