Two explosions were reported in the vicinity of the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen early on Wednesday morning prompting a large police response including a bomb disposal unit.
The blasts occurred around Strandagervej and Lundevangsvej in Hellerup, just north of the Danish capital. An investigation remains ongoing and authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
“We are present in the Strandagervej/Lundevangsvej area. No one has been injured, and we are carrying out initial investigations,” the Copenhagen Police posted on X.
Security personnel at the embassy reportedly heard the explosions around 3:20 a.m.
Despite the intensity of the situation, no arrests have been made, and the extent of the damage remains unclear. The police have launched a full investigation, including securing the area and increasing patrols for safety.
A mobile police station has been set up in the vicinity to address concerns from residents, and the police are encouraging locals to come forward with any information.
In response to the explosions, the nearby Caroline School, a Jewish school, announced its closure for the day, citing security concerns. Spokesperson Michael Rachlin added that extra precautions would be in place, and the school would remain closed for the rest of the week due to Jewish holidays.
The Israeli embassy expressed shock over the incident, stating on social media: “We have full confidence in the Danish police in their handling of the case and the further investigation.”
The Danish Minister of Justice, Peter Hummelgaard, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the explosions.
Witnesses, including several neighbors, described being woken up by loud bangs.
“I heard two bangs, which came very soon after each other. At first, I thought that something had happened down in Tuborg Harbor. It sounded as if a factory had exploded,” Frederikke Reichardt, a local resident, told the Ekstra Bladet tabloid.
“I think it’s terrifying. It’s scary to turn on the news. You go to bed and are terrified of everything that is going on,” they added.
In a separate incident, shots were also reported outside the Israeli embassy in Sweden on Tuesday evening.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that a mass police presence cordoned off the area and recovered a weapon and empty ammunition casings. No injuries were reported.
