Champions League team hit by bus blast

BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S team bus was hit by three explosions before the club’s Champions League quarter-final against Monaco last night, leaving one player injured in hospital.

German security sources said it was a targeted attack that left the vehicle’s windows shattered, and police said “serious explosive devices” were used.

It was unclear what motivated the planting of the explosives, but Germany is on high terror alert following a spate of recent attacks, several of which have been claimed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The Spanish international Marc Bartra was receiving treatment for a hand injury, after he was hit by shards of glass.

German police said a letter had been found near the site of the attack, which “takes responsibility for the act”.

There were reports the devices, which were concealed in a hedge, may have been detonated by a mobile phone or a garage door-opening device.

The match was postponed to this evening, with fans offering Monaco supporters accommodation in the city so they could stay on an extra day. There will be a large security force presence at the game, police said, adding they did not want to jump to conclusions the attack was terror-related.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, Borussia Dortmund’s chief executive, said: “The whole team is in a state of shock.”

The team’s Swiss goalkeeper Roman Burki said: “The bus turned onto the main road, when there was a huge noise – a big explosion … Anyone who could threw himself to the floor.” Sport: Pages 1-3