Rampaging gunman kills man and injured woman in hairdressers before taking hostage in Germany

German cops have descended on the centre of a German town after a man was killed and a woman seriously injured at a hair salon, it has been reported.

There are unconfirmed reports the gunman has now barricaded himself in a nearby apartment with a hostage.

Local media reports a man entered the salon and insulted a woman before firing several shots and running away.

When elite cops stormed the salon they discovered an injured man and woman. The woman was rushed to hospital and the man died a short time later. Other media reported several people inside were injured.

The centre of western town of Dueren has been locked down after at least one shot was heard, Germany’s n-tv television channel reported.

It is unclear if there are any deaths or injuries, n-tv added. The motive of the shooting is also unknown.

Officers have blocked off roads leading to the scene.

Police in the town could not be reached for comment.