At least five people have been killed in a shooting at a youth facility in Stade, a town of around 50,000 people east of Hamburg in Lower Saxony, northern Germany, according to initial reports from German police and media.
A large-scale police operation is currently underway at the scene. The motive for the attack is unclear at this stage, and no details have been confirmed about the shooter, the victims or whether the perpetrator is among the dead or in custody.
Two suspects detained after shooting
Local police have confirmed two suspects have been detained after the shooting in northern Germany.
There is no wider danger to the public, the police said.
Several people are injured after the shooting at a youth facility.
A spokesperson for Lüneburg police headquarters confirmed the arrest but declined to provide an exact death toll or any further details about the circumstances of the attack. The shooting took place at a youth facility in Stade, a city of around 50,000 people east of Hamburg in Lower Saxony.
A large number of emergency services are at the scene and police have urged the public to avoid the area via a post on X. Investigators have provided no information about the motive or background to the attack at this stage.
Where did the attack happen?
The shooting took place in the northern German city of Stade, which has a population of around 50,000 people.
This map illustrates its location in comparison to some of Germany’s key cities.
‘Leave and avoid the area,’ police tell public
A major police operation is under way after the shooting in the city of Stade.
While the reasons for the shooting are unclear, German media are reporting a new message from local police.
“For your own safety, leave and avoid the area,” police have told members of the public via a WhatsApp channel, according to German publication t-online.
Shooting took place at youth centre – local media
Local media are reporting more information about where the shooting took place.
It happened at a youth centre in central Stade, according to the reports.
Some reports have referred to there being multiple suspects, but this has not been confirmed by police.
