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Finnish police shoot man who reportedly stabbed several people in city of Turku

A bystander picture from Turku Market Square, where several people were stabbed (LEHTIKUVA via REUTERS)
A bystander picture from Turku Market Square, where several people were stabbed (LEHTIKUVA via REUTERS)

Police have shot a man who reportedly stabbed up to eight people in the Finnish city of Turku, according to Turun Sanomat.

A manhunt is underway for more possible attackers.

Emergency services work in Turku Market Square in Finland. (Facebook via AP)
Emergency services work in Turku Market Square in Finland. (Facebook via AP)

According to YLE, Finland’s national public-broadcasting company, several people were stabbed in central Turku, and police have asked people to avoid the area.

The assailant was shot in the leg and detained.

An eyewitness said that he stabbed a woman two-three times with a large knife.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said one lifeless body had been covered on the ground and at least two people appear to have been injured.

The tabloid Ilta-Sanomat said six people had been injured, one man and five women, adding that a woman with a buggy had been attacked by a man with a large knife.

Prime minister Juha Sipila said the government is closely monitoring the ongoing police operation and will hold an emergency meeting later.

A news conference is planned for 7pm local time (5pm BST) in Turku.