A 31-year-old man has been detained in southwestern Germany, accused of stabbing several people in a shelter for asylum seekers.

One man was killed and at least five people were injured in the knife attack late on Sunday, police said on Monday.

The Nigerian man, also a resident at the accommodation in the small town of Kressbronn on Lake Constance, allegedly knocked on the doors of the rooms on Sunday evening, and stabbed whoever opened the doors.

A 38-year-old Syrian man died on the spot. Those injured included a 37-year-old man and four women aged between 28 and 34.

One man who was seriously injured was flown to hospital by helicopter. The four others were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The officers arrested the suspect in front of the building. His motive and further background of the crime were initially unclear.

Source: GNA