Shots fired at synagogue.

Police are searching for an armed individual, after several shots were fired at the Jewish synagogue in Oslo last night.

Armed police officers sealed off the area around the building in Bergstien 13, in St. Hanshaugen, after the shooting that occurred around 2.30 am Sunday morning.

Police security was also strengthened around the Israeli embassy with armed police officers put on guard, and the establishment of a one hundred meter perimeter between the embassy and a neighbouring park.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Several shots were fired at the synagogue, from what police believe to be a sub machine gun. The walls are visibly scarred with several bullet holes, and a smashed window, according to the police.

- We could see three or four bullet holes in the facade next to the David star, says Scanpix photographer Morten Holm to NTB (Norwegian news acency).

- The police was still at the scene at 7.30 am Sunday morning.-

The synagogue was empty at the time of the shooting. The building is owned by the Mosaiske trossamfunn (Mosaic community).

- The incident was reported to the police by nearby witnesses, says Bjørn Ølstad, who’s in charge of the investigation.

Several witnesses have so far been questioned.

- At the present stage we’re only looking for one perpetrator, says Ølstad.-

He refuses to comment on whether the police are looking for specific individuals or organizations in connection with the shooting. Witnesses spotted a red car driving past shortly after the shots were fired. The police are currently looking for this car.

- Very sad and scary.-

Anne Sender, head of the Mosaiske Trossamfund in Oslo, says the incident is sad and frightening.

- This is the latest of several events that have occurred this summer, and it has had a profound effect on us. It’s not every day that shots are fired at a place of worship.-

Last month a person defecated on the steps of the synagogue and smashed two windows.

Sender was on her way to the synagogue to inspect the damages when she spoke to Aftenposten this morning.

- At the present stage I have no further information says Sender, who was informed of the shooting shortly after the incident took place last night.

The mosaic community requested extra surveillance after last months incident. That wish was not granted. After tonight’s incident this wish have become more compelling.

- We need do something about the security of the building says Sender, who says she will spend this Sunday discussing security solutions with leading politicians.


From : News from Norway.