A knifeman with 'mental issues' who injured eight people in a central square in Munich this morning was not politically or religiously motivated, police have said.

German police arrested the man in his thirties, thought to have mental problems, who had gone on a stabbing rampage earlier where he wounded a 12-year-old boy.

Police had asked residents to stay home until they find the attacker who had fled on a bicycle.

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A suspect has been detained following a manhunt after a spate of stabbings in quick succession in Munich's central square. German police were called after reports of five stabbings

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae told a news conference that eight people have been lightly injured in the attack and that the suspect was known to police from previous offences, including burglary.

'We have no indication of a terrorist, political, or religious motive,' Andrae said.

'I assume it is to do with a psychological disorder of the perpetrator.'

Police believe the man, who attacked people at several different locations, acted alone.

Several were injured in the attack, at five locations within close proximity to each other - none were life-threatening.

The attacker had previously been described as a blond, unshaven man travelling on a black bike, roughly 40-years-old wearing grey trousers, a green jacket and carrying a backpack with a sleeping mat.

Police advised the public to stay away from Ostpark, which is around 2.5 miles (4km) away from the scene of the attacks which took place in the central square, Rosenheimer Platz

German police arrested the man in his thirties, thought to have mental problems, who had gone on a stabbing rampage earlier where he wounded a 12-year-old boy

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae told a news conference that eight people have been lightly injured in the attack and that the suspect was known to police from previous offences, including burglary

The attack happened at 6.30GMT, near the Rosenheimer station. Police urged residents to remain in their homes while the manhunt continued.

Police also advised the public to stay away from Ostpark, which is around 2.5 miles (4km) away from the scene of the attack.

Munich police used their official Twitter channel to issue a warning urging locals to stay away from three specific areas: Ostbahnhof, Ostparkand and Rosenheimer, and remain indoors if possible.

Several were injured in the attack, at five locations within close proximity to each other - none were life-threatening

The attacker had previously been described as a blond, unshaven man travelling on a black bike, roughly 40-years-old wearing grey trousers, a green jacket and carrying a backpack with a sleeping mat

The police tweeted following the arrest of a man: 'We were able to arrest a suspect. It is currently unclear whether it is the offender.'

And earlier said they were unclear about the attacker's motives: 'We are searching for the offender with all police officers available. Until now we know nothing about the motivation.'

Video footage shows a helicopter flying overhead searching for the attacker.

They said: 'Warning: please avoid area around Ostbahnhof & Ostpark! The offender is still on the run. If possible stay in your houses.'

The attack happened near the Rosenheimer station this morning with police urging residents to remain in their homes while the manhunt continues

Munich police used their official Twitter channel to issue a warning urging locals to stay away from three specific areas: Ostbahnhof, Ostparkand and Rosenheimer, and remain indoors if possible