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Police have sealed off streets and shoppers are barricading themselves inside businesses at the historic town, which is popular with tourists. Police confirmed the attacker used a chainsaw during the rampage. Two people have been seriously injured. One witness said: "A man with a chain saw is supposed to be on the road."

An elderly man suffering serious head injuries is among those injured in the attack. Other bloodied victims were spotted staggering through the street. A major manhunt is now underway for the male suspect. Police have urged people to avoid the area until the operation is completed. Heavily armed officers are at the scene, while two helicopters are monitoring the scene from above.

TWITTER / @s_j_kummer Five people have been injured in a chainsaw attack in Switzerland

Police said in a statement: “On Monday morning, a man armed with a chainsaw came into the property of Vorstadt 18 and injured several persons there. “The old town of Schaffhausen is surrounded by a large area, and the search for the now identified suspect is on a high speed.” They said the attack is “not a terrorist act”. Police added: “Caution - the suspect is dangerous.” They released photos of the man but added he is now bald.

POLICE Police have released images of the man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident

The man was described as being male, about 6’2 in height, bald and with an “unkept appearance”. They believe he left the scene in a white VW Caddy. The vehicle was discovered abandoned on the road after a quick search.

TWITTER At least five people have been hurt in an attack in Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Witness Nino Reuf told Swiss newspaper Blick: “I saw one man being helped by medics with blood streaming down his head. "Sirens can be heard everywhere and there is a police helicopter overhead." A nearby shop assistant said she had seen “two people covered in blood being helped into an ambulance”. She added: “Police are everywhere. No one is allowed to leave the shop."

EPA An armed police officer at the scene of the attack in Schaffhausen, Switzerland

One shop owner said a customer was injured in the attack the town, located near the German border. He added: “Nobody can leave the stores anymore.”

EPA Police at the scene of the Schaffhausen attack this lunchtime

One witness said police had "completely sealed off the old town". Another shop owner said: “It's weird that something like this happens in Schaffhausen."

EPA An area of Schaffhausen old town has been sealed off following the attack

Confused citizens took to social media to express their shock. One person barricaded in a business tweeted: “Does anybody know anything? We are save btw but i dont know whats going on?

GETTY / GOOGLE MAPS The attack took place at the historic border town of Schaffhausen in the north of Switzerland