Police have shot a man in the Finnish city of Turku following a mass stabbing in which at least two people were killed.

The incident occurred in the Puutori-Market Square of the city in south-west Finland. The suspect was arrested at the scene after police shot him in the leg.

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South-West Finland police said via Twitter: "Several people stabbed in central Turku. People are requested to avoid the city centre."

A further eight people, including at least five women one of whom was with a stroller, were also injured in the attack.

Police said they are searching for other possible perpetrators in Turku following unconfirmed reports there are more potential attackers.

Security has been increased at Helsinki airport and train stations in the region in the wake of the attack.

Finland's top police chief Seppo Kolehmainen said it was too early to link the events in Turku to recent terrorist attacks in Europe.

He added there is "nothing is known about the motives...or what precisely has happened in Turku".

Finland's prime minister Juha Sipila said: "The government is closely following the events in Turku and the ongoing police operation. The government will meet later today [18 August]."

Turku has a population of more than 180,000 and is situated around 100 miles (166km) west of the capital Helsinki.

Turku stabbing
Emergency services at the scene after several people were stabbed in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku Getty/STR/Contributor