t least two people have been killed after a gunman opened fire outside a synagogue in Germany on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in Judaism.
One woman died after at least one attacker, believed to be wearing a military-style uniform, opened fire with a submachine gun on Wednesday morning.
A grenade was also thrown into the Jewish cemetery before the attacker fled, Bild reported. Several others were wounded.
Witnesses said a at least one attacker dressed in military-style fatigues opened fire with a submachine gun before fleeing (pictured, an ambulance at the scene)
Police have launched an urgent manhunt for the attacker, who is believed to be heading in the direction of Leipzig
The gunman is now on the run thought to be headed in the direction of Leipzig.
Police say they have launched an urgent search to find the attacker and told residents to stay in their homes or find safe shelter.
Halle main railway station was sealed off to all mainline train traffic after the gunfire in an attempt to stop the attacker fleeing.
The attack triggered a massive influx of police into the city.
Among them are units of the SEK, the elite of the German anti-terrorism police units.
