A festival in Germany has descended into chaos after three people were killed in a stabbing attack, local German news agency dpa reports.

The incident took place near the central square of Solingen, Germany, located near Cologne and Düsseldorf, at approximately 9:35 p.m. local time.

When the attack occurred, the city’s residents were celebrating the city’s 650th anniversary.

Witnesses said the perpetrator was still at large, the outlet reported.

According to police sources, the murder weapon was probably a knife. (Gianni Gattus/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)

According to the local authority, the weapon is said to be a knife.

Photos of the incident show police standing guard near the city centre and ambulances on the scene.

This is a current news item.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.