Five people dead in shooting in Germany

BREAKING

The incident happened in the German town of Stade, Lower Saxony, in the north of the country, around 50km from Hamburg.

It is believed the shooting happened at a youth centre in the city centre.

As per Sky News, local police have said that two suspects have been detained.

On X, local police wrote in a statement: "A police operation is currently taking place in Stade. Avoid the area widely!"

As per a statement from police, all five victims were adults.

The statement from police in their WhatsApp channel read: "According to the current state of the investigation, a homicide occurred at a youth care facility on Dankersstraße, resulting in multiple victims. Five people were fatally injured, and others sustained injuries.

"As part of the immediate search and police operation, two suspected perpetrators, including the alleged shooter, were arrested. The investigation into the background and the exact sequence of events is ongoing."

Stade police said in a statement shared on WhatsApp that a "major operation" was underway on Dankersstraße.

It called on citizens to avoid the area and follow the instructions of the emergency services on the scene.

The motive is currently unclear, police added.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.