Berlin, June 23 (RHC)-- A masked and armed man has been shot dead by German police after he stormed a cinema complex in Viernheim town, near the city of Frankfurt.

German police forces rushed to the scene of a reported shooting after an armed man opened fire and then barricaded himself inside the Kinoplex cinema in Viernheim town, located some 75 kilometers south of Frankfurt, Hesse state.

German television showed pictures of police storming the cinema complex and a couple fleeing the building.  The assailant reportedly took some hostages but none of them were injured in the incident.

Hesse state interior minister Peter Beuth confirmed that the gunman was shot and killed during the police operation.  He said the man appeared to be disturbed, adding that the gunman had a rifle or "long gun" and special forces intervened and shot him.