A masked gunman was shot dead in a police shootout outside an Erste Bank branch in downtown Split on Thursday, authorities said.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect entered the bank around noon, brandishing a firearm and demanding money. A security guard attempted to intervene, leading to a brief struggle before the suspect fled.
As he exited, he encountered two patrolling police officers and opened fire. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who collapsed and died a few metres from the bank.
Residents reported hearing at least eight gunshots. It remains unclear whether the suspect managed to take any money, though witnesses described a grey bag lying near his body.
Police have cordoned off the area, closing a nearby road. At least eight police vehicles were at the scene, and the county attorney’s office has joined the investigation.
The Erste Bank branch is located near the municipal and county courts, as well as the Split-Dalmatia County police headquarters.
Authorities have yet to release further details but said an official statement would follow.