Several people have been killed and injured in a knife attack during a festival in the western German city of Solingen. According to reports from Bild website, a man randomly stabbed passers-by on Friday evening in the city center. The attack took place during the celebration of Solingen's 650th anniversary.

The man, believed to be the attacker, fled the scene, prompting a citywide manhunt. Police helicopters were seen hovering above Solingen as authorities searched for the suspect. As a precautionary measure, the city authorities instructed people to leave the area, while police set up security cordons.

Emergency crews swiftly arrived at the scene to attend to the injured victims. The exact number of casualties has not been disclosed, but local media reports suggest that there are fatalities and several people have sustained injuries.

The festival, meant to commemorate Solingen's long-standing history, turned into a site of tragedy and panic as unsuspecting festivalgoers became targets of the knife attack. The motive for the attack remains unknown at this time.

Authorities are actively working to gather more information about the incident and provide the public with updates. As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Solingen, a city known for its traditional blade industry, is grappling with the aftermath of this shocking incident as its community mourns the loss of innocent lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security measures during public events.

As this is a developing story, further details will be provided as they become available. Refresh the page for the latest information. Stay informed by downloading the BBC News App or following @BBCBreaking on Twitter for instant updates.