6 killed, several injured in shooting in Germany

Six people were killed and several more injured in a shooting at the northern German city of Hamburg, reported DW News.

Hamburg police said in a tweet that a large-scale operation was underway in the Alsterdorf area.

"#Aktuell there is a larger police operation in #Alsterdorf. We are currently examining the background and will provide more information here shortly," tweeted Hamburg Police.

The port city's mayor, Peter Tschentscher, expressed shock at the shooting on Twitter.

"The reports from Alsterdorf / Groß Borstel are shocking. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The emergency services are working flat out to track down the perpetrator (s) and to clarify the background," Tschentscher tweeted.

According to several media reports, the shooting took place at a Jehova's Witness center on the Deelboge street.

"According to initial findings, a shot was fired in a church on Deelboge street in the #GrossBorstel district. Several people were seriously injured, some even fatally. We are on site with a large contingent of forces," tweeted the police.

Residents living nearby were warned to leave their homes amid the ongoing operation, reported DW News.

So far, there is no reliable information on the motive for the crime. More details are awaited