The male attacker later died in hospital, police said in a statement. The couple had appeared at a complex of the prime minister’s department which houses the economic planning unit, among others, and waved their swords in an aggressive manner.

Guards refused to allow them to enter. The couple suddenly brandished their swords at the guards, entered the complex area and smashed the windscreens of cars parked nearby, police said. Police said they were forced to open fire as the pair became more agitated after attempts to calm them down failed. The man was shot in the arm while the woman was hit in the leg.