Eight people dead in mass shooting in Hanau, Germany

19 February 2020, 23:17

Several people have been killed by gunshots in Hanau
Several people have been killed by gunshots in Hanau. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

Police in Germany have said at least eight people have been shot dead, with several others injured, in the town of Hanau.

Regional broadcaster Hessenschau says two shooting incidents took place at two separate shisha bars in the town, which is located about 25KM east of Frankfurt.

An unknown number of gunmen killed three people at the first shisha bar, before driving to the second and shooting dead another five victims, regional broadcaster Hessenschau reports.

Emergency services have descended on Kurt-Schumacher-Platz, the central square in the German town.

Police officers and helicopters are patrolling both areas.

The shootings happened at two shish bars
The shootings happened at two shish bars. Picture: PA
Police apprehending a man at the scene
Police apprehending a man at the scene. Picture: PA

The shots were fired from a moving car at around 10.15pm local time, German media reports.

Regional public broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk reported hearing witnesses reported hearing eight or nine shots and seeing at least one person lying on the ground.

A short police statement gave no information on the victims.

Officials say the suspects fled the scene and are currently at large.

The motive for the attack is not clear.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Pope Francis Delivers His Weekly Audience At The Vatican

Pope Francis returning to Vatican tomorrow after five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia

The Pope intends to appear at his hospital window tomorrow in his first public appearance since February.

Pope Francis to make first public appearance tomorrow after battling double pneumonia

Smoke billows from the site of Israeli artillery shelling that targeted the area of the southern Lebanese village of Yohmor on March 22, 2025.

Six dead including a child as Israel launches strikes into Lebanon leaving ceasefire with Hezbollah on knife edge

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Harshita Bella, 24 was found dead in the boot of a car

Officers in Harshita Brella case investigated after murdered woman contacted police about domestic violence

Washington, United States. 17th Mar, 2025. Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor speaks briefly to the media in the White House Press briefing Room in Washington, DC, on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Conor McGregor announces plan to run for Irish President following White House meeting with Trump

The Prince of Wales holds a phone to take a selfie during a walkabout to meet members of the public in Tallinn, on the first day of his visit to Estonia. Picture date: Thursday March 20, 2025.

Prince of Wales becomes 'King of the selfies' after royal seen posing for pictures with well-wishers in Estonia

Amazon accused of 'pushing propaganda' after mum asks Alexa to name celebrities - and is given list of Republicans

Amazon accused of 'pushing propaganda' after mum asks Alexa for celebrities - and is given Trump, Vance and Musk

The foreign office has beefed up advice for Brits travelling to the US

Britain beefs up travel advice with added warning over US border enforcement

Candidates Compete in Election for IOC Presidency

Kirsty Coventry named new president of International Olympic Committee - as Sebastian Coe loses bid

China is believed to carry out more executions each year than all other countries combined

China sparks international condemnation after executing four Canadians ‘by firing squad’ for drug crimes

Zelenskyy and Starmer have both been discussing the Ukraine war on Thursday

Ruling out NATO membership is a 'gift to Russia', Zelenskyy warns, as Starmer says military plans 'coming into focus'

Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine's nuclear plants - as Cleverly warns Putin will 'play off' President's 'urgency' for deal

Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine's nuclear plants amid fears Putin will 'play off' his 'urgency' for peace deal

Nice, France. 29th Mar, 2022. Emmanuel Macron's presidential election 2022 leaflet seen in Nice. The first round of the French Presidential Election 2022 will take place on Sunday 10th April 2022.

Concerns grow as France issues ‘survival manual’ to prepare citizens for invasion

Washington, United States. 24 February, 2025. U.S President Donald Trump, right, walks with French President Emmanuel Macron, left, following bilateral discussions at the White House, February 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Diplomatic row erupts after French researcher expelled from US for expressing 'a personal opinion' on Trump

British Airways Boeing 777-300ER on a sunny day landing at Singapore Changi Airport

BA crew member 'detained in Singapore' after 'raping stewardess colleague on night out during stopover'