An Austrian attacker was shot dead outside the Iranian ambassador’s residence in Vienna by a guard he stabbed, police said.
The guard was wounded in the arm before he shot the 26-year-old attacker dead shortly before midnight on Sunday.
Police said the guard, a 23-year-old Austrian soldier, first tried to deter the assailant with pepper spray.
After the attacker – a Vienna resident – stabbed him, he fired several shots.
An Austrian attacker was shot dead outside the Iranian ambassador’s residence (pictured) in Vienna by a guard he stabbed
A member of the Austrian armed forces stands in front of the Iranian ambassador’s residence
The assailant ‘died on the spot’ after the soldier opened fire, police spokesman Harald Soeros said.
‘He initially used pepper spray’ against the assailant, Soeros said, before opening fire.
He was believed to have fired his weapon at least four times.
The soldier sustained cuts to his right arm but was protected from more serious injuries by his stab-proof jacket.
Austrian soldiers stand in front of the Iranian ambassador’s residence after Sunday’s attack
Police prepare a tent near the Iranian ambassador’s residence after Sunday night’s incident
Police stand in front of the Iranian ambassador’s residence after a soldier shot and killed an assailant who stabbed him
Soros added that the soldier, who is from the Tyrol region of Austria, has been treated in hospital.
According to early indications he ‘acted within the rules’, a ministry of defence spokesman said, according to the APA agency.
The motive for the attack is not yet known, police said.
A 26-year-old Austrian was shot dead outside the Iranian ambassador’s residence in Vienna after he attacked a guard with a knife
A police car blocks a street in front of the Iranian ambassador’s residence in Vienna, Austria
On Monday, Austrian police the assailant’s motives are ‘completely unclear’ and the local branch of the domestic intelligence and anti-terror agency is looking into the case.
Police have ordered reinforcements around all diplomatic missions in the Austrian capital, which is also home to many international organisations.
The incident comes just days after two knife attacks in Vienna, including one that left a couple and their 17-year-old daughter with severe injuries.
A 23-year-old Afghan national confessed to those assaults but denied any political motive.