Track marshal injured during climate protests at DTM race in Germany

A track marshal was injured during protests by climate activists at a DTM race at the Norisring circuit in Germany, a police spokesman told dpa on Monday.

He said the man was injured when he tried to stop members of the Extinction Rebellion and Last Generation groups from breaking onto the track on Sunday.

"Investigations so far have revealed that three of the people involved had a physical altercation with a track marshal shortly before the action started," the spokesperson said.

The marshal is in hospital and the three people are being investigated for dangerous bodily harm.

The start of the DTM race was delayed after climate activists broke onto the track. According to police, 13 people were involved in the action, but it was initially unclear how many made it onto the track.

One activist also fixed himself to a fence, but was quickly removed. After a brief disturbance, the race could go ahead as planned.

In a joint statement, the activists called on the federal government to "stop speeding towards a climate catastrophe."

Sports events have been regularly targeted by protesters lately.

Last week, Just Stop Oil activists interrupted play at Wimbledon, while organizers of the British Formula One Grand Prix held on Sunday had increased security to prevent protests.