At least two girls have been seriously injured in a suspected attack at a high school in the Bavarian town of Schongau, police said.

The girls were taken to hospital. Police said it was initially unclear whether their injuries were life-threatening.

Authorities had earlier said several people were injured at the Welfen-Gymnasium in what appeared to be a rampage attack. 

Teenage suspect apprehended

The suspect, a 16-year-old, initially fled but was apprehended a short time later. A police helicopter was used in the search.

Police said it was unclear whether the 16-year-old attended the school. A spokesperson did not initially comment on a possible weapon.

The total number of people injured and the severity of their injuries remained unclear. Police initially spoke of a single-digit number of injured people.

Rescue helicopters deployed

Police had previously announced that a large number of officers were deployed at the school.

Officers did not initially comment on the reason for the deployment, although people in the area were urged to avoid the site. A contact point for relatives and parents of students was set up at the fire station.

Emergency services, including multiple rescue helicopters, at the scene in the wake of the incident. ADAC Air Rescue said six helicopters were involved, four of them from ADAC, with at least one used to treat the injured.

Schongau is a small town with more than 12,000 residents on the Lech River in western Upper Bavaria.

The Welfen-Gymnasium is located a few hundred meters from the old town and the river Lech. According to the school’s website, around 800 students are taught there by more than 80 teachers. A primary school, middle school and secondary school are also located nearby.

Edited by: Zac Crellin