BERLIN — A manhunt is underway in Germany after a knife attack at a music festival in the western city of Solingen left three people dead and eight others injured.

The assailant randomly attacked festival-goers during a live music show on Friday evening, according to police spokesman Alexander Kresta.

"We are currently assuming that it was one person," Kresta said, noting that officers are interviewing witnesses and gathering information to establish the suspect's identity.

The attack claimed the lives of one woman and two men, while eight others were injured, five of whom are hospitalized with serious injuries, police confirmed on Saturday.

Authorities have urged the public to be cautious in Solingen's city center as the suspect remains at large. "People in the city center should be careful. Anyone who sees a suspicious person should immediately call 110,” a police spokesman told public broadcaster ARD.

Special police teams armed with heavy weapons are patrolling the streets, which are nearly deserted following the attack.

In response to the tragedy, Solingen authorities have canceled the three-day “Festival of Diversity,” which was expected to attract 80,000 people this weekend to celebrate the city’s 650th anniversary. — Agencies