Five people have been killed after a gunman took a number of hostages during a flat eviction in the southern Germany city of Karlsruhe, according to German police.
A body is removed from the house where hostages were being held earlier today
Four hostages and the gunman are believed dead, Sky News reported.
Speaking to Reuters, a police spokesperson, said: "Special forces broke into the apartment after smelling smoke and found four dead bodies. Probably one of them is the gunman."
A bailiff, a locksmith and the owner of the property, as well as a prospective tenant, are reported to be among those killed. A woman is believed to be among the victims. According to police, all who were killed died from wounds arising from a gunshot.
Police commandos outside the block of flats on Wednesday morning
The gunman, who was described as "heavily armed" by AFP, had at least one hand grenade according to news channel NTV. A police response unit was called to the incident after shots were heard.
Police had earlier said they were unclear as to how many people had been taken hostage.
A large part of the city, which sits on the French/German border, has been now cordoned off.