Germany: Several reported killed in knife attack in Solingen

A number of people are reported to have been killed in a knife attack in the western German city of Solingen, local media say.

Bild website says a man randomly stabbed passers-by during a festival in the city centre on Friday evening. Several people were also injured.

The attacker is believed to have fled the scene, and police have launched a manhunt. Police helicopters were seen hovering above the city.

The attack happened during the festival marking 650 years of Solingen.

The city authorities asked people to leave the area and police are imposing security cordons.

Emergency crews at the scene are now treating the injured, media reports say.

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