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The axeman – reportedly a 17-year-old from Afghanistan – launched the vicious attack on a train in Würzburg, southern Germany.

A huge operation – involving armed police, firefighters, paramedics and at least one a helicopter – was launched.

ISIS has claimed responsiblity for the attack via its al-Amaq news agency, claiming the teen "answered calls to strike countries participating in the anti-#ISIS coalition #Germany".

(Image: EPA)

(Image: GOOGLE)

The statement released on Twitter said: "Individual who carried out the axe attack in Germany was a soldier of the Islamic State who executed the operation in response to calls to target nations in the coalition fighting the Islamic State."

The axeman entered Germany as an unaccompanied child refugee, according to Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann.

He reportedly shouted "Allahu akbar" – which means "God is great" in Arabic – before launching the violent attack.

Herrmann added a hand-drawn ISIS flag was found in the suspect's bedroom.

Two of those hurt are in a critical condition, Herrmann added, while a Chinese family were among those injured.

At least three of his victims are seriously injured.

(Image: TWITTER)

The rampage started on the train from Treuchtlingen to Würzburg as it stopped at Würzburg-Heidingsfeld station.

The man attacked passengers with "cutting and stabbing weapons" – believed to be an axe and a knife.

Armed police shot the axe attacker dead as he tried to flee the scene, Mr Herrmann has confirmed.

(Image: EPA) (Image: TWITTER)

Mr Herrmann said the attacker lived in nearby Ochsenfurt.

Local media report that he had lived with a German foster family for two weeks – having previously lived in a refugee camp.

Police have refused to suggest a motive for the attack.

A spokesman said: "At this time everything is possible."

(Image: EPA) (Image: TWITTER) (Image: TWITTER)

As well as the three critically injured victims, one other passenger is believed to have non-life-threatening injuries – and 14 others suffered minor injuries or shock.

The police spokesman said: "Shortly after arriving at Würzburg, a man attacked passengers with an axe and a knife.

"Three people have been seriously injured and several others lightly injured.

"The perpetrator was able to leave the train.

"Police left in pursuit and as part of this pursuit, they shot the attacker and killed him."

(Image: AFP) (Image: EPA)

Train services have stopped between Würzburg-Heidingsfeld and Ochsenfurt.

In May, a lone wolf Jihadi killed one and injured four others in a knife frenzy at a train station in Munich.