Five people have been killed in a mass shooting in the German town of Stade, with police arresting a male suspect as investigators race to establish what sparked the deadly attack.
Several others were injured in the shooting, which triggered a major emergency response and left large parts of the town cordoned off while heavily armed officers secured the scene.
Police confirmed that all five victims were adults and said there is no ongoing threat to the public after two people were detained. One of those arrested is believed to be the suspected gunman, while the role of the second person remains unclear.
The motive for the attack has not yet been established.
Early reports suggested the shooting happened near a youth centre in the centre of Stade, a town of around 50,000 people west of Hamburg. However, police later denied that the attack took place near the youth facility, although they declined to reveal the exact location.
A police spokesman confirmed that shots had been fired in the area, prompting a major operation involving armed officers, paramedics and emergency crews.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from Dankersstraße as officers searched the area and gathered evidence.
In a statement issued during the operation, Stade police said: “A major operation is currently underway on Dankersstraße. Please avoid the area and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
As speculation spread online, officers also issued a warning against misinformation circulating on social media.
“The circulating accounts do not correspond to the current state of affairs confirmed by the police,” the force said.
“Please do not forward unverified reports, voice messages or rumours. This can cause uncertainty and hinder police action.”
Large numbers of emergency services remain at the scene as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and examining evidence.
No further details have been released about the identities of those killed or injured, while investigators continue working to establish exactly what happened and whether the second person detained had any involvement in the attack.
Police have appealed for patience as the investigation continues and said further updates will be released once more information has been confirmed.
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