Task force storms Esch apartment to overpower armed man

(ADW) A special police unit task force equipped with what resembled riot gear, raided an apartment building in central Esch-sur-Alzette on Wednesday evening, much to the surprise of neighbours and passers-by.

The reason for the 'visit' was an armed man suffering from mental problems and needing treatment, barricading himself inside an apartment, located on rue d'Alzette, and refusing to cooperate in any way.

According to a neighbour living on the same floor, it all began at about 5.20pm when police entered the building and attempted to negotiate with the man and coax him out of his apartment, but to no avail.

"He did not agree with anything", exclaimed the neighbour before going on to say “I did not think it would go this far!"

As the man refused to budge or even talk to the police, the decision to send in a special police task force unit was made. They quickly cordoned off the area opposite Delhaize supermarket, before storming into the building, breaking into the apartment and overpowering the man.

Despite the dramatic scenes, no injuries were reported and the offender was taken into custody unscathed physically. All blockades around the building were lifted at about 7.40pm.

Following the operation, police confirmed that it was a controlled action in which nobody was harmed and that the man will now "get the help he needs."

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