A violent shooting took place midday Sunday in the Athenian neighborhood of Colonus, leaving two men injured and prompting a large-scale police response.

According to early reports, the incident unfolded when a man of Turkish nationality entered a local café to order coffee. Upon exiting the establishment, he appeared to notice an armed individual and immediately ran back inside in an apparent attempt to take cover. The gunman followed him into the café and opened fire.

Both the Turkish man, aged 48, and a 44-year-old off-duty police officer were shot in the legs. The officer is believed to be the husband of the café’s owner and was reportedly inside the premises at the time of the shooting.

Emergency services and police units quickly arrived on the scene. The injured officer was transported to the 401 Military Hospital, while the other victim was taken to Gennimatas General Hospital. Both are receiving medical treatment.

The area around the café has been cordoned off as police continue to investigate the scene and search for the shooter, who remains at large.

The motive behind the attack has not yet been disclosed, and authorities are actively working to apprehend the suspect.