A number of people have reportedly been killed and injured in an apparent knife attack at a German festival.

The attack took place at a festival in the western city of Solingen, German news agencies and the newspaper Bild have reported.

Passers-by were stabbed at random, according to Bild. The newspaper added the attacker had not yet been caught.

It's not clear how many people have died in the attack. It's reported it took place at around 9.45pm local time.

The dpa news agency cited police sources, who said the weapon used in the attack was a knife.

The local Solinger Tageblatt newspaper reported that one of the festival organisers, Philipp Müller, said on a stage that emergency workers were fighting for the lives of nine people.

Image: Pic: AP
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Local police said they were not yet able to comment.

According to Sky News' European correspondent, Siobhan Robbins, a police operation in the area is still ongoing.

She said people had gathered to celebrate the 650th anniversary of the 160,000-strong city.

The festival has now been stopped and people have been told to leave the area, Robbins added.

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