Six dead after gunman opens fire in historic German town - Suspect detained

Six people have been killed after a shooting in the German town of Stade.

A male suspect has been detained following the shooting.

The motive behind the attack is unclear, police said.

Local media reported the incident had taken place near a youth centre in central Stade.

Several people have been injured in the shooting, however police have not confirmed any exact numbers.

Stade has a population of around 50,000 people, and is west of the city of Hamburg.

Police have confirmed two people have been arrested following the shooting, one of those arrested is the suspect, the other's role is unclear.

Early reports suggested multiple suspects, but police did not immediately confirm the role of the second person detained.

They also confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

"Shots were fired near a youth center in the city center," the German DPA news agency quoted a police spokesman as saying.

Stade police said in a statement shared on WhatsApp that a "major operation" was underway on Dankersstraße, calling on residents to steer clear of the area and follow the instructions of the emergency services on the scene.

Large numbers of emergency services remain on the scene.

Police have confirmed that all of the dead were adults.

The police spokesman initially denied the shooting had taken place near a youth centre, but refused to give further details.

Police are warning of misinformation about the shooting spreading on social media.

The local police stated: "The circulating accounts do not correspond to the current state of affairs confirmed by the police.

"Please do not forward unverified reports, voice messages or rumours. This can cause uncertainty and hinder police action."