At least four hurt after shots fired near German court where boxer murder trial is taking place

Wednesday, 26 February 2025 20:36

At least four people were injured after several shots were fired near a courthouse in Germany where a high-profile murder trial is taking place, police said.

Police in Bielefeld said they were dealing with a "large-scale operation" after the shooting at around 1.40pm local time (12.40pm UK time) in the centre of the city.

Two suspects have since been arrested in relation to the incident and the injured people were taken to hospital.

Investigators did not give information on the severity of their injuries.

Officers said they could not rule out a connection with the trial taking place, linked to the death of a former boxer nearly a year ago.

A suspect is currently being tried on suspicion of the murder of Besar Nimani, a former welterweight boxing champion.

Images show armed officers patrolling the area, with the scene around Bielefeld Regional Court cordoned off.

A man was also spotted being led away in handcuffs.

Mr Nimani, who died at the age of 38, was fatally shot in the street in Bielefeld last March.

The Albanian fighter from Kosovo once held the IBF European Super Welterweight title, as well as two German belts.

German police began a search for two suspects and a 38-year-old man was arrested in Brussels in July. His murder trial began in January. Officers are still looking for a second suspect.

According to court documents, two men ambushed Besar Nimani on 9 March and fired 16 shots in front of a shop in the city.

Berat Nimani, Besar's brother, has been attending the murder trial at Bielefeld Regional Court in recent weeks.

Sky News