Germany shooting: One dead sparking huge manhunt and warning to 'avoid hitchhikers'

A massive police manhunt was sparked after a 32-year-old male was shot dead close to Germany's border with Austria, with people being warned not to pick up hitchhikers.

The shooting took place in front of an amusement arcade about 8.30pm on Thursday night in Burghausen, the largest town in the region of Altötting.

A suspect has now been arrested in Austria with authorities having believed he had fled over the border.

The victim was a 32-year-old man with police warning that the armed attacker was on the run. He was thought to have left the scene in a car but may have since abandoned it.

German police tweeted: "In and around #Burghausen there is currently a big police hunt. After a violent confrontation in Burghausen, an armed perpetrator is on the run. The population in the district #Altötting are being asked not to pick up hitchhikers.

People are being warned not to pick up hitchhikers (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"Please report anything suspicious to 110 immediately! We are on site with strong forces and will inform you here as soon as we know more."

Helicopters were seen scouring over fields in the search and roads have been blocked off.

The scene was cordoned off where the attack took place, in an industrial zone, with several shots reportedly fired.

A suspect has now been captured in Austria (AFP via Getty Images)

There have been vehicle checks by police who have been using thermal imaging cameras and night vision cameras in the search for the shooter.

A later tweet from police said: "We are carrying out a thorough search for the culprit. As soon as there is new and, above all, confirmed information, we will inform you immediately."

It continued: "A 32-year-old man was shot in front of an amusement arcade in the Lindach industrial park in Burghausen. The armed perpetrator is currently still on the run.

"He may have left his vehicle and is continuing his escape elsewhere. Residents in the district #Altötting and in the neighbouring district #Niederbayern and #Oberösterreich should not pick up hitchhikers."

Police have now said that a suspect has been arrested in Austria.

It tweeted: "In neighbouring Austria, a suspect was arrested. More information will be reported on Friday."