Two explosions have rocked the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen, leading to the closure of a nearby Jewish school for the day, poilice have said.
Authorities confirmed that no one had been injured and an investigation was underway to determine if there was a connection between the blasts, which took place around 3:20 a.m., and the Israeli diplomatic mission, which is located close to several other embassies.
Police did not comment on whether any arrests had been made.
Heavily armed officers, search dogs, and forensic teams were examining the area, which had been cordoned off.
Carolineskolen, Copenhagen’s Jewish school situated just down the street from the embassy, was already scheduled to be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Jewish New Year holidays, according to Michael Rachlin, a spokesperson for Denmark’s Jewish community, who spoke to The Associated Press.
Extra security measures will also be in place around the main synagogue in central Copenhagen, the Jewish community stated. Community chairman Henrik Goldstein urged people to remain vigilant in public spaces.
“I also encourage everyone to be critical of rumours and what they hear on social media,” he wrote, adding that “there is no reason to avoid participating in Jewish life.”
Police have not provided details regarding the strength of the explosions or the extent of the damage.
Denmark’s Justice Minister, Peter Hummelgaard, told broadcaster TV2 that the incident was “inherently serious,” but it was too early to determine a motive.
On Tuesday night, the area around the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm was also sealed off after a loud bang was reported. Police later confirmed that evidence suggested the embassy had been struck by bullets. No arrests have been made.
Swedish broadcaster TV4 reported that a weapon and an empty shell casing had been found at or near the embassy. Sweden’s domestic security agency told the AP that it was not conducting a preliminary investigation into Tuesday’s incident in Stockholm, leaving the matter to the ordinary police.
“I view the shooting at Israel’s Embassy in Stockholm last night and the incidents in Copenhagen this morning with great seriousness,” Sweden’s Justice Minister, Gunnar Strömmer, told the Swedish news agency TT.
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