The suspect is reportedly still at large after randomly attacking festival-goers in the western German city of Solingen.
German media have reported that a knife attack targeted the “Festival of Diversity” held to mark the anniversary of the founding of the city of Solingen, leaving several people dead.
An official death toll has not yet been released, but The Associated Press cited local police as saying three people were killed and four were seriously injured.
Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach addressed the attack in a statement on social media, confirming that several people had been injured and killed, although he did not provide details.
“Tonight in Solingen we are all shocked, horrified and deeply saddened. We all wanted to celebrate the anniversary of our city together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured,” Kurzbach wrote.
“It breaks my heart that an attack has taken place in our city. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the people we have lost. I pray for all those who are still fighting for their lives.”
Bild newspaper reported that the attacker had fled the scene after attacking festival-goers apparently at random at around 9:45 p.m. local time (19:45 GMT).
The attack took place at Fronhof, a market square in Solingen where a musical performance was taking place. Police have cordoned off the city centre while investigations are underway.
A video circulating on social media appears to show festival organiser Philipp Muller at the event announcing that nine people were fighting for their lives following the attack.
Solingen, a city of almost 160,000 inhabitants, is located in western Germany, near its border with the Netherlands, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The “Diversity Festival” began on Friday and was planned to be a weekend-long event designed to celebrate the city’s 650th anniversary.
This is a developing story. More details coming soon.
