Forensic experts work around a damaged car after a shooting in Hanau near Frankfurt.

In multiple shooting that occurred targeting shisha bars in Germany, nine people were found dead.

The shooting sparked a huge manhunt overnight before the suspected gunman was found dead in his home early on Thursday.

The attacks occurred at two bars in Hanau, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Frankfurt, where armed police quickly fanned out and police helicopters roamed the sky looking for those responsible for the bloodshed.

Police in the central state of Hesse said the likely perpetrator had been found at his home in Hanau after they located a getaway vehicle seen by witnesses.

A special forces officer works on a robot in front of a house that is searched through by police in Hanau.

Another body was also discovered at the property.

"The suspected perpetrator has been found dead," police in the central state of Hesse said, adding: "There is currently no indication that there are additional perpetrators."

The first attack occurred at the "Midnight" bar in the centre of the city around 10pm (2100 GMT), reports said.

Three people were killed in front of the building, local media said, with witnesses reporting hearing a dozen shots.

The attacker, or attackers, fled the scene by car, according to police. There was then a second shooting at the "Arena Bar".

A gunman reportedly rang the doorbell and shot people who were in the smoking section, killing five people including a woman, Bild said.

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Police said one of those injured in the attack had also died.

Earlier reports said five people had been seriously wounded.

A journalist at the scene saw around 30 police cars leaving Hanau police station.

Witnesses said heavily armed police officers were deployed in the city.

A silver Mercedes-Benz covered by what looked like a survival blanket could be seen behind a police cordon and surrounded by officers in front of the "Arena Bar", with shattered glass on the floor.