Explosion in a building in western Germany, several police officers and firefighters injured

(Patria) - Several police officers and firefighters were injured in today's explosion in a residential building in the city of Ratingen in western Germany, police announced.

- Police and firefighters were called to assist a helpless person, and when they arrived, an explosion occurred at the apartment door - said a police spokesperson.

Local media report that 12 police officers and firefighters were injured, some of them seriously, and doctors are fighting for their lives.

Unofficial information suggests it was an intentional attack, reports Index.hr. Local media report that snipers were positioned on surrounding balconies.

A Bild journalist published several videos from the scene. He reports multiple small explosions, and the videos show heavily armed special forces arriving at the scene.

"It is unclear what led to the explosion," police announced.

ZDF television reports that ten firefighters and two police officers were injured, and security sources said they could not rule out a targeted attack. Local media report that snipers were positioned on surrounding balconies.