Police operation underway after reported car pursuit in Helsinki

A police operation is under way in Helsinki’s Lassila and Pohjois-Haaga districts, Yle reports. Police have declined to give details but said several patrols are at the scene.

A witness told Yle that a young man appeared to be running away in distress in front of a station wagon before hiding behind vegetation. A man in the car allegedly argued with him.

The witness said the incident began with a long, continuous blast of a horn. A beige station wagon then drove at high speed along a gravel path between allotment gardens, where cars do not usually drive.

According to the witness, the person on foot fled along a path between the allotments while the car followed him. The witness described the driving as resembling attempts to drive into a crowd.

The allotment garden area is located at Niittyperäntie 10. The witness said several police cars, an armoured police unit and a motorcycle police officer were at a nearby parking area. Armed officers were also seen in the surrounding area.

Yle’s report is being updated.