Five adults have been killed in a shooting at a youth care facility in the northern German city of Stade, police said on Monday.
"There are several people who have been injured, some seriously," a police spokeswoman told dpa. She said it cannot be ruled out that the death toll may rise further.
Police have detained two people, including the suspected gunman, the spokeswoman added.
According to the police, the fatal shooting took place at a youth care facility which houses mothers and their children. Authorities have not released further details about the victims or suspects, or about a possible motive. Investigations are ongoing.
The Lüneburg police department advised the public to avoid the area in a post on X, but later added that there was no danger to the public.
Pictures showed several emergency services personnel, ambulances and police cars. Women with babies were also standing by the roadside.
A spokesman for the city administration said there had been no danger to a nursery and a primary school near the youth care centre.
"We are glad that our staff and the children at the nursery and primary school are safe, and I would like to thank the police officers for their efforts in this confusing situation," said Stade city councillor Carsten Brokelmann in a statement.
He expressed his condolences on behalf of the city administration. "At the same time, our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims of this terrible act and their bereaved families." Brokelmann said he is confident that the circumstances behind the incident will be established soon.
Stade has a population of just under 48,700 and is located roughly 40 kilometres west of Hamburg.
