Water cannons dented by eggs and water bottles
The German Interior Ministry has complained to the manufacturer of a cannon after it was dented by relatively tame ammunition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The German Interior Ministry has asked for an explanation from a water cannon manufacturer, after the weapon was reportedly damaged by an arsenal of eggs and tennis balls – launched by police themselves.
Officers from Thuringia Police in central Germany posed as protesters to test the “WaWe 10” water cannon from Austria which is worth €900,000 (£246,156).
But the armoured glass of the 33-tonne steel machine was left with dents the size of fists after the team pelted it with tennis balls, plastic bottles, and eggs, according to broadcaster MDR.
Manufacturer Rosenbaurer has since been asked for an explanation after the Government ordered 78 of the vehicles with the intention of using them to dispel rioters.
The news follows efforts by London Mayor Boris Johnson to allow the use of water cannon in the capital.
The vehicles have so far only been used by UK police officers in Northern Ireland, where they were introduced to quell public disorder during the Troubles.
Those against the machines cite an incident in Germany which left protester Dietrich Wagner blinded, after he was hit by a jet of water.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments