Police believe explosions near Dortmund bus were ‘targeted attack’

Officials have cancelled a planned Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday after three explosions went off near the bus for team Borussia Dortmund, leaving one player injured.

• Three devices detonated near the Borussia Dortmund team bus as it prepared to leave for the Westfalen Stadium, from a hotel police say.

• Police later said that they believe the explosions were detonated as a “targeted attack” against the team.

Borussia Dortmund players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, stand outside a hotel with police after three devices exploded near their team bus. Photo: DPA

Borussia’s Spanish defender Marc Bartra was injured in the blasts and taken to hospital. Officials said he would need to undergo surgery. 

• Officials have postponed tonight’s Champion League quarter-final between Borussia and AS Monaco until Wednesday.

READ ALSO Police search for clues after explosives near Dortmund team bus injure player

11.40pm – Marc Bartra undergoing surgery.

Officials revealed at a press conference that Bartra was undergoing surgery after sustaining a broken bone in his right wrist. He also suffered various other injuries to his arm.

11.35pm – Investigators examine note found near scene.

A representative for the local prosecutors office said they were “intensively investigating” a written note found near the scene of the explosions.

11.30pm – Police say it was a ‘targeted attack’ against the team.

Police president Gregor Lange said during a press conference that officials believe the explosions were a “targeted attack” against the team.

Lange also said that police would have a strong presence at the game scheduled for Wednesday. When asked about the possible motive behind the attack, Lange said they have not ruled out any possible scenario.

11.01pm – Stay tuned for updates from a police press conference, which is just about to begin.

10.45pm – Monaco fans showed solidarity with their hosts by repeatedly chanting “Dortmund”.