Police kill armed man in Germany cinema storming

A masked and armed man has been shot dead by German police after he stormed a cinema complex in Viernheim town, near the city of Frankfurt.

According to the reports, German police forces rushed to the scene of a reported shooting after an armed man opened fire and then barricaded himself inside the Kinoplex cinema in Viernheim town, located some 75 km south of Frankfurt, Hesse state.

German television showed pictures of police storming the cinema complex and a couple fleeing the building.

The assailant reportedly took some hostages but none of them were injured in the incident.

Hesse state interior minister Peter Beuth confirmed that the gunman was shot and killed during the police operation.

He said the man appeared to be disturbed, adding that the gunman had a rifle or "long gun" and special forces intervened and shot him.

"The assailant moved through the cinema complex, according to the information we have now, and appeared confused," Beuth said.

"There were hostages inside and there was a struggle (with police) until in the end he was dead. We have no information that anyone (among the cinema-goers) was injured."

He also noted nothing immediately pointed to him having a militant background.

Police spokeswoman also confirmed the gunman had been shot and said nobody was injured.

Initial reports had referred to dozens of wounded people and several shots fired.

SS