A knifeman has been shot by police in Germany after he appeared to stab at least two people in an attack livestreamed on YouTube.
The horror reportedly unfolded during a small gathering for the BPE political group, which holds anti-Islam views, in Mannheim on Friday morning.
The knifeman was seen pushing one man to the ground as he hit out with his blade. He also appeared to stab a police officer before he fell to the ground again, at which point another officer appears to shoot him.
Local police said in a statement: “There is currently a major police operation on the market square in Mannheim. A rescue helicopter is also in use.”
They added that there is no longer any danger to the public.
Bystanders rushed to help the victim attacked by the assailant, who was then tackled to the ground. Moments later, the attacker was seen thrusting his bloody knife towards the victim's head.
Bystanders tussled with the knifeman, trying to pull him away from the first victim, who remained on the ground with at least one knife wound to the back of his left leg. Blood splattered across the cobbled ground.
The knifeman broke free and attacked one of the men who had confronted him before stabbing a police officer in the back. Approaching police officers discharged their weapons, causing the attacker to fall.
Police provided emergency assistance to the attacker and checked the victims for injuries. An injured officer was seen holding his blood-stained head as he walked away. The knifeman's condition has not been confirmed.
Following the attack, paramedics treated at least three victims at the scene. A police cordon was established around the area of the stabbing.
A large crowd gathered at the site while numerous police officers patrolled the area. Police have not confirmed how many people were stabbed in the attack.
