Large parts of Sweden's second biggest city were thrown into chaos on Tuesday when armed robbers who raided its main post office set fire to cars, scattered spikes on roads and left suspected bombs to cover their escape.
Police said in a statement no post office staff were injured, but soon after the robbers fled the scene at least five suspected bombs were found around Gothenburg, three of them outside the main police station. All were being investigated.
The robbers also set fire to several cars and spread spikes on the roads to puncture the tires of would-be pursuers.
"We have never before experienced anything as spectacular, where they have tried to hinder the police and create public confusion," Gothenburg Police Commissioner Krister Jacobsson was quoted as saying by Swedish news agency TT.
Police sealed off parts of the city and evacuated buildings near suspected bombs, causing chaos in morning traffic.
The heist took place as environment activist and Nobel prize winner Al Gore was due to visit Gothenburg to collect a prize for his work. The organizer said there was no change to plan for the ceremony.