At least five people have been killed in a shooting in the northern German city of Stade, west of Hamburg. A large-scale police operation is underway and at least one suspected man has been arrested, according to German police.

The alert came on Monday and large portions of the area were cordoned off while heavily armed police searched the scene. Police have not yet released the victims’ identities or whether anyone else was injured.

According to several German and international media outlets, the shooting took place near a youth center in central Stade, a city with about 50,000 residents. However, the exact site of the crime has not yet been officially confirmed by the police.

Police have confirmed that one man has been detained in connection with the incident. Some media reports claim that two people have been arrested, but so far the authorities have only confirmed one suspect and have not commented on reports of additional arrests.

The motive behind the act is still unknown and the investigation is at an early stage. Police have not yet provided any information about the suspect’s identity, age, or any possible connection to the victims. No details about what weapon was used have been released either.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation as the technical investigation and interviews are ongoing. More information is expected to be presented during the day.

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