HEIDINGSFELD, Germany, July 18 (UPI) -- An assailant attacked multiple passengers aboard a train in Germany Monday, authorities said, before he was shot and killed by responding police.

The attack happened aboard the train while it was traveling between Wurzburg-Heidingsfeld and Ochsenfurt Monday afternoon, officials said.


At least three people were seriously injured by the attacker, who witnesses described as carrying a knife and an ax. The suspected assailant was shot and killed by SWAT-style police forces.

The suspect was not immediately identified but some news reports said he was a 17-year-old Afghan refugee, citing interior minister Joachim Herrmann. The reports said he had lived in Ochsenfurt for a while.

Investigators are trying to determine a motive and said it is too early to tell whether the attack might be terror-related.

Video: BNO News/YouTube