The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

At least one person has died after a suspected sword-attack at a school inside a shopping mall in Finland.

Finnish police say nine people have been hurt – two seriously – after the incident at Savo Vocational College, temporarily located inside the Hermann mall, in the eastern city of Kuopio.

The alleged assailant – the tenth injured person – has been arrested after police used firearms to apprehend him.

Witnesses claim he was armed with a long knife or a sword.

One onlooker, named in reports as Roosa Kokkonen, told MTV news how the suspect pulled out a sword from a bag he was carrying.

(Image: Sami Takkinen / Yle)

"Then he started stabbing as many as he had just hit. A classmate was one of them."

Another woman was reportedly seen bleeding from her hand.

Earlier reports had claimed the suspect was armed with a gun.

The victims have been rushed to hospital.

Officers have now cordoned off the building.

A police spokesperson said: “According to current information, the incident in Kuopio occurred at the premises of the Savo vocational school located in the Herman shopping centre.”

The mall is housing the college while a new campus is being built, reports claim.

(Image: Yle)

Around 600 students and 50 employees are believed to use the temporary facility.

Prime Minister Antti Rinne described the violence as "shocking and completely unacceptable".

"I have discussed with the Director General of Police and the government is monitoring the situation closely.

"On behalf of myself and the entire Government, I extend my condolences to all the relatives."

(Image: hitmixkuopio/Instagram)

Cops have yet to confirm whether the attack is terror related.

Reports claim it is being treated as an act of violence.

Finland's Interior Minister, Maria Ohisalo, tweeted: "The events in Kuopio are shocking."

"My condolences to the victims and relatives.

"Thanks to the authorities for their prompt action. I wish peace of mind to the police and other authorities involved."

And Finnish politician Li Andersson tweeted: "I would like to extend my support and my deepest sympathy to the victims of violence and their families.

"Every child and young person has the right to study in safety, without fear of violence. Today's violence in Kuopio is shocking and deeply affecting all of us."