A car has driven into a crowd of people in Munich, leaving at least 15 injured, according to local reports.

Police have confirmed that a “major operation” is underway in the German city and are understood to have shot one of the assailants.

The car, believed to be a Mini Cooper, rammed a group of protesters from Verdi, the main trade union for Germany’s public sector. The protesters were calling for more pay in schools and hospitals.

It comes just a day before the start of the Munich security conference, where world leaders are expected to descend on the city.

The incident took place in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Köingsplatz, one of the most iconic squares in the Bavarian capital.

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