A person has been detained in a 'possible' connection to a mass stabbing attack in Germany, which saw three people killed and five others left "seriously injured".
The "unknown" suspect stabbed passers-by who were attending a city festival in Solingen at around 9.45pm last night.
The attacker fled the scene with police are still searching in the city of Solingen, in the west of the country.
At least nine people were stabbed, with police confirming three deaths.
Solingen stabbing: German police have swarmed the area as the attacker has yet to be found
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At least three have been killed and several more have been injured
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German police in Solingen - located 25 kilometres from Dusseldorf
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Violence erupted at the festival marking the anniversary of Solingen, some 25 kilometres from Dusseldorf.
Local police declared a major emergency and launched a manhunt for the suspected knifeman.
The German Interior Ministry confirmed to RTL that three people had been killed and that the perpetrator was still on the run.
In a Facebook statement, Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach said: "Tonight all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror and great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured
"It breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we've lost. I pray for all those still fighting for their lives. Also my greatest sympathy for all those who had to experience this, these images must have been horrific."
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Location of reported mass stabbing event - Where is Solingen?
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The stabbing happened while the city celebrated its 650th anniversary during a festival
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Crime scene investigators at the scene
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Crime scene investigators seen in Solingen
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The German city was celebrating the 659th anniversary of its creation.
Approximately 80,000 people were expected to head to Solingen over the next three days.
Solingen also has about 160,000 inhabitants and is located near the bigger cities of Cologne and Duesseldorf.
Two DJs who were set to perform at the festival today claimed their set had been cancelled following the attack.
Solingen stabbing: Multiple people killed after mass stabbing attack in GermanyREUTERS
Police and ambulances stand near the scene
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Festival organiser Philipp Muller revealed emergency services were fighting for the lives of nine people
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“Beyond devastated,” they posted on X/Twitter.
“Our show in our beloved hometown #solingen got cancelled last minute. Several people got stabbed. Stay safe everyone!”
Local newspaper Solinger Tageblatt claimed that authorities called on people to leave the city's downtown area.
Festival organiser Philipp Muller revealed emergency services were fighting for the lives of nine people.