German police sealed off a shopping center in Munich on Friday after shots were fired, authorities said. A German news agency quoted police saying the casualties appear to include “multiple dead.”
But there remained no clear details officials on the nature of the incident or possible casualties at the Olympia complex.
Dozens of police surrounded the site and a nearby subway station. Other units, with guns drawn, appeared to enter the mall, according to images on social media. Helicopters circled over the area.
Germany’s DPA news agency cited police saying “we expect multiple dead.” No further details were immediately given.
The Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper quoted a witness saying she heard shots and “saw injured” people. An employee inside the shopping center told the Reuters news agency that “ many shots were fired.”
A police statement sent by Twitter urged people near the site to remain in their homes.
German security forces have been on heightened alert since Monday, when a 17-year-old Afghan attacked passengers on a train in southern Germany. At least five people were injured.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the train attack, but German authorities have said there is no evidence of direct links between the teen and the militant group.
The Munich mall is near the city’s Olympic stadium, the centerpiece of the 1972 games that become known for tragedy when a Palestinian militant faction killed 11 Israeli athletes held hostage.
