Munich police wrote on social media platform X that "police officers saw a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm. The officers used their service weapons and the person was hit and injured."

"There are currently no reports of any other people injured" and "no indications of any other suspects", they added.

Police did not specify any other details, including whether the incident was believed to be related to the nearby historical centre or diplomatic mission.

The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism is located on the site of the former Nazi party headquarters and close to Israel's consulate in the southern German city.

Media pointed out that the incident took place on the anniversary of the 1972 killings of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games.

A police helicopter was in the sky above the area and the sound of police sirens blared through the streets.

The Bild daily showed pictures of armed police wearing helmets and body armour in the downtown area.

Police advised the public that a large number of police were "on their way to the site of operations in the area of the NS Documentation Centre".

"To ensure that they can work without hindrance, we ask that you avoid this area as much as possible."