Two suspects are on the run after carrying out a gun and axe attack in the German city of Cologne, leaving one person “seriously injured” in the early hours of Monday morning.

The attack took place on Flandrische Straßem, which is near the city center.

A police spokeswoman said police received numerous emergency calls at 03:45 am German time after witnesses reported a group of four men in dispute with one other man before fighting with axes.

Officers at the scene of the crime found shattered glass and blood.

More than one person attacked with axes and three were injured. Two suffered light wounds while one was admitted to hospital and is in critical condition.

Police said the man in critical condition was stabbed in the thigh and tried to flee in his car.

The other men shot at him but the bullets only hit the vehicle.

He managed to drive away but was stopped by police a few hundred yards away. All four tyres and windows were shot out.

Two possible perpetrators were later stopped by police, but two suspects remain at large.

Police have alerted Interpol to be on the lookout for the two men on the run wanted in connection with the incident.

The police spokeswoman said that there was no evidence that the incident was terror-related.

It is not yet known what the motive for the attack was.

Germany is on high alert following the outbreak of recent indiscriminate attacks against civilians in the country. This includes two claimed by ISIS and a mass shooting in Munich carried out by teenager David Ali Sonboly who was inspired by mass killings but not Islamic fundamentalism.