German police say they have only very limited information about the attacker so far. He is on the run, the Associated Press reports.

According to the police, it is suspected that the stabbings were carried out by a single attacker.

One of the festival organizers, Philipp Mullerappeared on stage earlier and asked festival-goers to “stay calm – please keep your eyes open because unfortunately the perpetrator has not yet been caught”.

He said many people had been injured by “a knifeman”.

At least one helicopter was seen in the air, while many police and emergency services were on the road with flashing lights and several streets were closed off.

Below you can see some images from Solingen after the attack.

The attack came amid heated political debate over rising knife violence in German cities. German news agency dpa cited police sources as saying a knife was used in the attack, but that this has not been publicly confirmed.

The police do not want to make any statements about a possible motive or the identity of the suspect for the time being.

According to local newspaper Solinger Tageblatt, authorities urged people to leave Solingen city centre after the attack, and one of the festival organisers, Philipp Müller, said on stage that emergency services were fighting for the lives of nine people.

The news channel NTV showed a video in which Müller asked the crowd not to panic and to be careful when leaving the site, as the attacker was still at large.

The attack took place in a square in the city centre where the Festival of Diversity was taking place. The festival started on Friday and was due to last until Sunday. In the streets of the city centre there were several stages with attractions such as live music, cabaret and acrobatics.

Tens of thousands of visitors were expected at the festival

At the time of the attack, music performances were being held.

Local mayor Tim Kurzbach wrote on Facebook: “Tonight we are all in Solingen in shock, fear and great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured.”

He said he was praying for all those still fighting for their lives and thanked emergency services and security services for their work.

Summary of the opening