German police investigate car ramming that injured five

Police in northern Germany said on Tuesday they were investigating a suspected attempted murder after a driver rammed a car into a group of people, injuring at least five.

The victims sustained injuries of various severity in the attack, which took place in Neustadt am Rübenberge, north-west of Hanover, in the state of Lower Saxony.

Three people were provisionally detained at the vehicle owner's address, police said. Investigations are under way to determine whether they are directly linked to the incident.

Based on information gathered so far, police believe those involved knew one another and belonged to extended families, some of whose members were already known to authorities in connection with previous offences.

The motive was still unclear, but police said there was no danger to the public. A spokeswoman said that there were no indications of a terrorist attack.

Shots fired during traffic stop

According to the police statement, the attack took place on Monday evening at around 11:30 pm (2230 GMT). A suspect is said to have deliberately driven a car into the group, who were on the road at the time. 

A police spokeswoman said the alleged perpetrators appeared to specifically target the small group.

The wounded were taken to hospital for treatment. None of them were in a life-threatening condition, the spokeswoman said.

Police officers who were conducting a routine traffic check nearby opened fire on the car in an attempt to stop it, before the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled. 

Investigations are under way to determine whether anyone else was in the car at the time of the attack. The total number of people involved and their respective roles remained unclear. Police launched a manhunt after the attack.

A dpa reporter described a large-scale emergency response involving firefighters and ambulance crews. Several damaged cars were visible, including vehicles with flat tyres, a shattered rear window and bullet holes.