Germany Lubeck bus attack: Knifeman injures 14 victims 'after dropping smoking backpack'

At least 14 people have been injured after a 'mass stabbing' on a bus in Lubeck, Germany.

A passenger is said to have dropped a backpack which reportedly started smoking, according to local media - as others on board the packed bus started screaming and trying to jump off.

One man was reportedly stabbed in the chest as he stood up to offer his seat to an elderly passenger.

The assailant is said to have been armed with a kitchen knife - although some local media are reporting the existence of a gun, yet to be confirmed.

He was overpowered by police at the scene and is under arrest, according to local police.

 Eyewitnesses say the bus was full when one male passenger dropped a backpack which started 'smouldering', LN online report. 

The bus driver then quickly noticed a fire in the bus and stopped immediately, according to police.

The man then reportedly pulled a gun and attacked those on the bus, it said.

An eyewitness told LN Online: "One of the victims had just offered his place to an elderly woman, as the offender stabbed him in the chest. It was a carnage!"

The bus driver has been praised for his quick-thinking after stopping the vehicle immediately and opening the doors for passengers to flee, before he too was allegedly attacked. 

Police were at the scene within minutes of the first emergency calls being made and claim the man is of Iranian and in his 30s.

While early reports claimed one man has been killed later reports suggest there have been no deaths.

Reporter Steffen Ludke tweeted the alleged perpetrator was 'overwhelmed' by police before being arrested at the scene.

Eyewitness, named only as Lothar H, 87, lives at the scene: "The passengers jumped out of the bus and screamed, it was terrible, and then the injured were taken away."

German police have set up a citizen helpline on 0451 29079319 for those looking for information about friends or relaives. - UK Mirror