Several explosives fired during a track event injuring at least one person at the World Outgames in Copenhagen on Tuesday. Gay news website Advocate.com, citing an email it had received, reported that “as many as three explosive devices detonated in two track stadiums (in the Danish capital), leaving one person with minor injuries."

It reported that two bombs exploded instantly after they were thrown onto the track before the men’s 4x200 track relay in the afternoon. An Outgames athlete was taken to hospital with injuries to his right hand from flying shrapnels and was later released from the hospital. The third bomb was thrown less than an hour later in another stadium. There were no reported injuries from the second attack but events were delayed for 90 minutes.

Several other media including Out and About Newspaper and On Top Magazine which quoted Keith Little and Sam Felker, a Nashville, UScouple competing in the games who blogged about the incident, as saying that four bombs exploded during the track and field event.

The two men wrote on their blog samnkeithworldlesstraveled.blogspot.com on Tuesday: “The camaraderie of the Outgames was temporarily broken this afternoon when unknown assailants tossed two explosive devices onto the track during the start of a relay. One runner who was in a starting position near the explosions sustained a minor injury to his hand and was treated at the scene by paramedics. The large crowd of athletes and spectators was stunned by what can only be described as a hate crime attack. Competition resumed after consulting with the athletes who were determined not to let this incident succeed in stopping the Outgames. Police were called to the scene and were searching the premises when two more devices exploded on the track. Shortly thereafter the police arrested a suspect who was seen fleeing from a nearby church tower where it is believed the attack was launched. Police are still searching for a second suspect.”

“Locals tell us that Denmark, which is known worldwide for its openness and diversity, has been plagued recently by increased hate crimes and violence aimed at gays and lesbians.”

The Copenhagen Post on Wednesday reported that the police have charged a 31-year-old man with committing a hate crime after he fired two shots from a 'roman candle' at participants on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, three gay men from England, Sweden and Norway were attacked on Friday evening in central Copenhagen. According to the Post, witnesses say they heard the attackers yell ‘homo pig’ at the three, and attacked them as they returned from the opening ceremony of the World Outgames on Town Hall Square. The trio were treated at hospital for injuries but have been released. The two suspects will be remanded in custody for the remainder of the nine day World Outgames event.

Some 5,000 athletes are expected to compete in more than 30 events at the nine-day sporting and cultural event from 22 July to 2 August.