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.
Read more: German police mull wide use of drones for corona-surveillance
"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.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A detained man crouches in front of policemen enforcing the lockdown. Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Kathmandu, Nepal
A Nepalese police officer maintains distance as he detains a man defying the lockdown imposed by the government. Kathmandu, Nepal, March 29.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Chennai, India
Police force residents to do sit-ups as a punishment for breaking the lockdown. Chennai, India, April 1.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Bangkok, Thailand
Thai police officers wearing protective masks stop a man on a motorcycle at a checkpoint. Bangkok, Thailand April 3.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Ahmedabad, India
Members of a rapid action force patrol a neighborhood urging people to remain indoors. Ahmedabad, India, April 1.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
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.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Brighton, England
A police community support officer speaks with a beachgoer at Brighton Beach in the UK, April 4.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Jerusalem, Israel
Israeli police detain an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man in the Mea Shearim neighborhood during a partial lockdown. Jerusalem, Israel, March 30.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Members of Guatemala's National Civil Police escort men detained for breaking curfew. Guatemala City, Guatemala, April 3.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Los Angeles, California, USA
Los Angeles Police Department officers verify permitted passenger travel at Union Station. Los Angeles, California, April 4.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
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.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A police officer orders a sunbather to leave a closed beach. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 28.
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How are lockdowns enforced around the world?
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.
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.
Read more: Man shot dead for flouting coronavirus rules
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.
ed/mm (dpa, epd)
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