News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

At least three people are fighting for their lives after a teenage refugee armed with an axe stormed a train in Germany and went on a bloody rampage, it has been claimed.

Armed police swarmed the area soon after receiving reports that a man hacked at passengers on board a train close to Wurzburg in southern Germany at around 9pm local time.

The twisted axe-man was then shot dead by police as he ran towards officers to attack them - bringing his horrifying attack to an end.

The Bavarian Interior Ministry as a 17-year-old Afghan man who was a refugee to Germany.

The ministry also said the boy shouted "Allahu Akbar" before carrying out the attack.

His motive has not yet been revealed, with police refusing to comment on whether or not it was a terrorist attack.

(Image: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand) (Image: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand)

Police have confirmed that at least four people, three of who feared to be fighting for their lives, have been injured in the horrifying attack - which began this evening. Another 14 are being treated for shock and minor injuries.

Eye-witnesses say the man went on the rampage with an axe before attempting to flee from the scene.

(Image: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand) (Image: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand)

The incident is understood to have taken place at the station in Heidingsfeld, a part of the city of Wurzburg in southern Germany.

The train line between Wurzburg-Heidingsfeld and Ochsenfurt is closed as investigators scour the area for clues.

A number of German media outlets have reported the attacker was shot by police as he tried to flee the scene.

(Image: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand) (Image: Ullstein bild / Contributor)

According to sources, he had an axe and a knife on him - both of which he is alleged to have been using in the brutal assault.

Helicopters were seen swirling over head as the area was flooded with emergency services who raced to treat those injured.

There has not yet been any word on whether or not the attack is linked to extremism of any kind, but Europe has been on major alert since a terrorist killed more than 80 people with a massive lorry in Nice last week.

Twisted killer Mohamed Louhouaiej Bouhlel zigzagged along the Promenade des Anglais smashing into terrified pedestrians as thousands gathered in Nice last Thursday.

Large swathes of Europe is on mjor alert from the threat of terrorism - with many traditional holiday hotspots now being declared as "high risk" by the Foreign Office.