Five people have been killed after a man opened fire at a youth centre in Stade, a city in northern Germany, according to police. Emergency services responded to the incident on Dankersstraße this morning, as reported by Bild. Officers have detained at least one suspect, but the gunman's motives remain unclear, police said.
Police operation underway
The Lüneburg Police Directorate issued a statement saying: 'A police operation is currently taking place in Stade. Avoid the area widely!' In a WhatsApp message, Polizei Stade told residents to avoid the area and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
Stade, located 60 km west of Hamburg in Lower Saxony, is home to around 50,000 inhabitants. The city lies in the lower regions of the River Elbe.
Investigation continues
Authorities have not provided further details on the suspect or the victims. The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish the circumstances of the attack.
