Munich Shootings: Gunman identified as an 18-year-old German-Iranian, Ali Sonboly - Pictures

A gunman opened fire at a busy shopping mall in Munich on Friday evening, killing nine people and injuring 20 others in what police were investigating as a possible act of terrorism.

But the Munich police chief, Hubertus Andrae, told reporters that the suspect was an 18-year-old German-Iranian living in the city.

Police forces stand in front of the McDonald's restaurant where the shooting spree started near Olympia shopping center (OEZ) in Munich, Germany

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He said the suspect was not previously known to the authorities and had no known links to terrorist groups.

Pictured: Suspect Ali Sonboly

“The motive or explanation for this crime is completely unclear,” he said.

Early Saturday,  police issued a cautious all-clear.

It was the latest in a series of incidents of mass violence in Europe, and the second in Germany this week.

The attack in Munich started shortly before 6 p.m. Friday at a McDonald's restaurant across from the mall , police and witnesses said.