Five people were killed in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German town of Stade on Monday, prompting a major police operation and the arrest of two suspects, authorities said. One of those detained is believed to be the gunman.

The attack took place on Dankersstrasse in Stade, located west of Hamburg in the state of Lower Saxony. Police said there was no ongoing danger to the public, while investigators continued working to determine the motive behind the shooting.

Lüneburg Police urged residents to stay away from the area shortly after reports of gunfire emerged, as heavily armed officers and emergency services secured the scene.

Authorities confirmed that five people were killed in the attack. Several others were also injured, although officials have not disclosed the exact number.

Police arrested two individuals in connection with the incident, including the suspected shooter. Investigators have not released details about the victims or the circumstances leading up to the attack.

Officials said inquiries remain focused on establishing what happened and identifying the motive behind one of Germany's deadliest shooting incidents in recent years.

Germany has relatively strict firearms laws, and mass shootings remain rare. The investigation into the Stade attack is ongoing. (ILKHA)