Erbs finished on 583 points at the Olympic Shooting Range in Azerbaijan’s capital city.

That was enough to edge France's Edouard Dortomb who did lead after two rounds before falling behind the Latvian.

The Frenchman finished on 575 points.

Danlil Shikhov of Russia won the bronze medal on a tally of 574.

"This was very hard and exciting competition for me," said Erbs.

"When the competition was over and I recognised that I won the European Championship, I couldn't stop the tears falling down. 

"That moment was so full of emotion."

Russia won the team event with a combined score of 1,715, as Shikhov was aided by Egor Ismakov and Alexander Petrov.

Ukraine clinched silver on 1,713 with France the bronze on 1,708.

Tomorrow's action will see medals decided in the men's 25m standard pistol, for senior and junior shooters.