Six Killed in Shooting at Youth Welfare Centre in Germany; Suspected Gunman Arrested

At least six people have been killed following a shooting at a youth welfare centre in the northern German city of Stade, with police confirming the suspected gunman is among those taken into custody.

Authorities said four women and one man died at the scene after gunfire erupted inside the facility on Monday, while a sixth victim later succumbed to injuries in hospital. All six victims were adults.

Police said two people had initially been arrested, including the suspected shooter, while a third person is also under investigation in connection with the incident.

The motive for the attack has not yet been established.

The shooting was reported at about 12:10 p.m. local time (10:10 GMT), prompting an immediate response from police and emergency services.

In a statement, police confirmed that officers responding to the incident discovered multiple homicide victims at a youth welfare facility on Dankersstrasse.

"The area is cordoned off, and a large police presence is on site," the statement said, urging residents to avoid the vicinity while investigations continue.

Authorities also confirmed that several other people were injured, although they have not disclosed the number or the severity of the injuries.

Police have assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Television footage from the scene showed a heavy deployment of police officers, ambulances and emergency responders around the welfare centre.

German media reported that the facility accommodates women and children.

As a precaution, children at a nearby daycare centre and a primary school were kept indoors during the police operation before later being reunited with their parents.

Investigators have begun a homicide inquiry to determine what led to the attack and whether those in custody acted alone.

Authorities have yet to disclose the relationship between the victims and the suspect or provide further details about a possible motive.

Stade, located in the state of Lower Saxony about 30 kilometres west of Hamburg, has a population of approximately 50,000 people.