'This is terrifying': Eight people killed in mass shooting in Germany
At least eight people have been killed in a mass shooting event in Germany.
As many as five others were reported to be seriously injured two shooting incidents which took place in the town of Hanau, about 25 kilometres east of Frankfurt, on Thursday morning AEST.
Local Bild newspaper reported that the unknown attacker, or attackers, opened fire on a shisha bar in the centre of the town about 10pm on Wednesday night, local time.
The dpa news agency reported that witnesses heard eight or nine shots and reportedly saw at least one person lying on the ground.
The perpetrator or perpetrators then apparently went to another part of the city, where shots were fired in another hookah lounge, the broadcaster said.
Police said a dark vehicle was seen leaving the scene of the first shooting, before another shooting was reported at a second site.
It was not immediately clear what the motive behind the incident was.
German police have confirmed that eight people died in the attack.
A short police statement gave no information on the victims and said authorities are searching for the perpetrators.
Unconfirmed videos posted to social media show multiple ambulances arriving at the scene along with a heavy police presence, while one video appeared to show a person being apprehended by authorities.
Breaking and Exclusive from #Hanau #Germany , you can hear the ongoing gun shots in the background , this is terrifying! pic.twitter.com/aIN9Daf5Hi
— Steven Nabil (@thestevennabil) February 19, 2020
Bild reported that suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
The town of Hanau has a population of about 100,000 people.
More to come.
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