During a police operation in Mülheim, a man armed with a rifle was fatally injured by a shot on Wednesday.
The 65-year-old died of his serious injuries at the scene of the incident, said the police in Essen in the evening.
The police had reportedly been called because "loud popping noises" could be heard from the ground floor apartment in an apartment building.
On arrival it turned out that the resident living alone was in the hallway with a long gun.
Shortly after the arrival, the police started using firearms.
Further details were initially not given.
Because of a possible danger from explosives in connection with the man known to the police, experts from the State Criminal Police Office are also on site.
According to the police, the road at the scene was blocked.
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wal / dpa