After soliciting the services of a woman at Berlin’s famous “Artemis” brothel, four men flipped out after being handed the bill, the Bild newspaper reported on Saturday.

One then fired on three security guards before fleeing the scene with three of his friends. The injured men were all rushed to hospital.

But according to a police spokesman their injuries were superficial after initial evidence suggested that the gun had been an alarm gun, like a starting pistol.

Investigating police officers say they have interviewed witnesses are continuing their search for the perpetrators.

Named after Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, the brothel is open 361 days a year.

The Local/ccp