At least nine people are dead following a terrorist attack in Munich, it has been confirmed.
German police have already said they expect “multiple deaths” following a shooting inside a Munich shopping centre.
At least three other people have been left injured.
There are concerns as many as three shooters could be at large, though local media has reported one attacker has shot himself in the head.
The Olympia Shopping Centre, in the district of Moosach, has been sealed off by German police as part of an ongoing operation and all public transport has been halted.
Taxi services have also been suspended.
Disturbing photos taken at the scene show people fleeing from the gunman.
Harrowing video footage has also been circulating online, claiming to show a shooter opening fire outside McDonald’s.
Unconfirmed reports have also suggester a separate shooting may have occurred at a busy city-centre metro station.
Footage has appeared on various news outlets which reportedly shows an exchange between a member of the public and a gun-toting man, with the armed man shouting obscenities about “foreigners”.
Eye-witness to the shopping centre incident, Florian Maier, said: “Next to the shooting in Munich with the whole family. Fingers crossed we will be save home soon
“At home now. Everybody is scared in the area.”
Thamina Stoll, a university student in Munich, tweeted video of the scene showing people running.
“Helicopter, sirens and people on the street #Munich #shooting #OEZ #München,” she said.
“At least 30 police cars on their way to #Munich #shoppingmall according to local radio station. Area around mall blocked by police.”
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: “I am shocked and appalled by the terrible attack unfolding this evening in Munich, and the loss of life.
“Our travel advice to UK nationals in the area tonight is to stay indoors and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Refuge is being offered to people stranded near Munich through social media.
In response, hundreds of people have taken to Twitter using the hashtag OffeneTur – or OpenDoor – inviting people to stay if they are unable to get home.
Facebook’s Safety Check feature has also been activated so that people can let friends and family know that they are safe.
It was most recently used in the wake of the Nice attack earlier in this month.
People also opened their homes under the hashtag £PorteOuverte during the Nice attack and Paris attacks in November to help people find safety.
German security forces have been on high alert since Monday, when an Afghan migrant attacked five people on a train with a knife.
Police are currently warning people to avoid the area.
