A gunman in the southern German city of Karlsruhe has taken hostage several people, including a bailiff, during an eviction, police say, according to BBC News.

They say the man fired shots and several people were injured. The number of hostages is unclear.

Police believe one person may have been killed. The man has barricaded himself into the house with his hostages.

An area around the house has been sealed off. Special police forces are at the scene.

Police say they have not had any contact with the gunman.

The eviction, from a flat in the northern part of Karlsruhe, was scheduled to take place at 09:00 local time (08:00 GMT).