The driver who ploughed a van into crowds in the German city of Munster, killing two and injuring at least 20, shot and killed himself, police said.

German police spokesman Andreas Bode told reporters the driver's identity was not yet known.

The van crashed into people sitting in front of the famous Kiepenkerl bar on one of the first spring days in the western German city.

Mr Bode said six of the 20 injured were in a severe condition.

Police said it was too early to speculate about the motive behind the crash and said they are still investigating.

They have urged people in Munster to avoid the city centre.

Police said a suspicious object has been found in the van and that they are still examining what kind of an object it is and whether it is dangerous.

Police told German news agency Dpa that the object was the reason why a large area around the scene was sealed off after the crash.

Munster mayor Markus Lewe said the reason for the crash is still unclear.

German news channel n-tv showed a narrow street sealed off with red-and-white police tape.

Dozens of ambulances were waiting near the cordoned-off area. Helicopters were flying overhead.