BREAKING axe-weilding attacker injuries 20 train passengers

*This is a developing story*

Local media is this evening reporting that an axe- and knife-wielding attacker has injured at least 20 passengers on a train near Heidingsfeld in Bavaria in southern Germany.

Some of the victims' injuries are thought to be life-threatening, according to the BBC, although additional reports say many of those injured were witnesses who required treatment for shock. 

German police confirm several people critically wounded after axe attack on train in Bavariahttps://t.co/O4TiceuczP pic.twitter.com/YpC9TDicVJ

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 18, 2016

Multiple sources are also now claiming that the attacker has been killed; Sky News cites police spokesman Fabien Hench as confirming that the man was shot dead by police as he tried to flee the scene.

The motives behind the violent outbreak are also currently unclear, although ISIS supporters were quick to state on social media that the terror organisation was behind the incident. 

The train line between Wurzburg-Heidingsfeld and Ochsenfurt has been closed.

The identify of the attacker has furthermore yet to be unveiled.