The bodies of the three shooting victims were found late on Sunday night near parked cars in the Bavarian town, which is best known for its summer opera festival.

Another wounded person was found nearby. Earlier that night, police received an emergency phone call saying that shots had been heard.

Police are still searching for a suspect and possible motive for the killings. The victims apparently knew each other, the police said.

Residents living in a neighboring estate said they had heard eight shots, which "sounded like fireworks" in the evening. Police said they were looking for passers-by who might have seen something at the time of the incident.

"At the moment, we can neither give details about the circumstances or the victims," said a spokesman.

Bayreuth has a population of around 72,000.

blc/rc (dpa, AFP)