Finland stabbings: Two dead, man shot in Turku

Rescue personnel have cordoned off the area at the Turku Market Square in the Finnish city of Turku where several people were stabbed. Pic/AFP

Police in Finland shot a man who reportedly stabbed several people in the south-western city of Turku on Friday killing two and injuring at least six others, officials said.

The attacker was taken into custody after being shot in the leg, BBC quoted police as saying. The incident reportedly took place in the Puutori-Market Square area. Police warned that there may be other attackers at large, and asked people to stay away from the city centre.

Turku University Hospital director Petri Virolainen told journalists that at least eight people had been sent there with injuries, and one person had died. At a press conference later, police confirmed a second death.

A tweet from South-West Finland police at 16.40 read: "Several people stabbed in central Turku. People are requested to avoid the city centre." Several buildings were evacuated, and police officers investigated a number of people in a nearby shopping centre -- but did not link them to the attack.

Finland's Prime Minister Juha Sipila said his government was monitoring the situation closely. The Interior Minister and national police commissioner also said they were travelling to the city.