German police detain suspected Taylor Swift stalker ahead of concert in Gelsenkirchen

Overall, the concert on Wednesday was a peaceful event attended by some 60,000 visitors, the statement said.

A police operation involving a separate incident caused delays as fans were leaving the venue after the concert, police said.

A 70-year-old man had called the police for help, according to the spokeswoman. When the officers arrived, they heard bangs, prompting them to cordon off a road leading to the nearby arena.

The man, who was experiencing mental distress, was taken to hospital, according to police. It was initially unclear what caused the bangs.

Ahead of the concerts, the city put up signs temporarily renaming itself “Swiftkirchen” and honoured the singer on a “Walk of Fame” that commemorates local celebrities.

After Gelsenkirchen, Swift plans concerts in two other German cities, Hamburg and Munich.

Swift, who last toured Germany nine years ago.

Gelsenkirchen is expecting around 200,000 fans to attend the three concerts.