Six people have died following a shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German city of Stade, police confirmed on Monday.
According to Stade police, several other people sustained injuries during the attack. Five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a sixth later died in hospital. Authorities said all those affected were adults.
According to Reuters, a German police official said the victims were employees working at the facility and not residents receiving care there.
Police said on Monday evening that the suspected main gunman has been arrested, while two other individuals remain in custody as investigations continue into their possible involvement in the attack.
According to Reuters, the alleged shooter is a 45-year-old German man of Turkish descent, citing information provided by a police official.
Authorities said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still ongoing.
Police also confirmed to CNN that the area has been secured and there is currently no further danger to the public. Residents have nevertheless been advised to stay away from the area while investigations continue.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended his condolences to the families of those affected by the shooting and expressed appreciation to emergency responders and medical personnel for their efforts.
Meanwhile, local councillor Carsten Brokelmann disclosed that a daycare centre and a primary school are located close to the scene of the attack.
“We are relieved that our staff and the children in the daycare center and elementary school are all safe and well, and I would like to thank the police officers for their service in this chaotic situation,” he said in a statement.
“At the same time, our deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this terrible act and their families,” Brokelmann said.
Police have cautioned the public against sharing unconfirmed reports circulating online, warning that the spread of rumours could interfere with ongoing investigations into the shooting.
The incident occurred in Stade, a historic town located about 45 kilometres (27 miles) west of Hamburg, with a population of roughly 50,000 residents.
