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Gunshots fired near synagogue in Copenhagen

February 15, 2015

Just hours after one man was killed in an attack on a free-speech discussion at a Copenhagen cafe, shots have been fired near a synagogue in the city center. Three people were injured, according to Danish authorities.

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Dänemark Kopenhagen Schießerei Blasphemie Debatte
Image: REUTERS/Martin Sylvest/Scanpix Denmark

Police in Copenhagen warned residents to stay off the streets of the Danish capital early Sunday after two shootings within hours of each other left at least one person dead and six others wounded. Police said it was too early to say if the attacks were linked.

Police are searching for a man who fired shots on Krystalgade, near the capital city's main synagogue in the early hours of Sunday morning, authorities have reported.

One person was shot in the head and two policemen were shot in the arm and leg, police said in a statement early Sunday.

Authorities evacuated the nearby Noerreport train station and trains were not stopping.

The man fled the scene on foot and a manhunt continues. Roadblocks were set up and public areas were cleared after the second shooting.

Vehicles travelling towards Sweden on the Oresund bridge were searched. Surveillance was also stepped up at border entries to Germany.

Police said they were looking for a male suspect aged 25 to 30. They also released a number of surveillance camera photos.

Cafe death

Hours earlier on Saturday, a gunman burst into a cafe where controversial cartoonist Lars Vilks and his supporters had gathered. One man was killed and three police officers were wounded before the gunman fled the scene, police said.

After the attack, what appeared to be the man, dressed in dark clothes, stole a car and drove away, police said. The vehicle was found between two train stations.

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said that "all resources will be used to find (those responsible) and bring them before a judge."

"We have some difficult days ahead," she said.

sb/jm (AFP, AP, dpa)