Multiple people killed in bow and arrow attack in Norway town of Kongsberg

Kongsberg in Norway.
Kongsberg in Norway. Photo credit: Getty Images

A man using a bow and arrow killed several people and wounded others in attacks in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg on Wednesday, local police said.

"The man has been apprehended ... from the information we now have, this person carried out these actions alone," police chief Oeyvind Aas told reporters.

"Several people have been injured and several are dead," Aas said. He declined to comment on the number of casualties.

Public broadcaster NRK as reported at least four were killed, citing unnamed sources.

The attacks took place over "a large area" of Kongsberg, a municipality of about 28,000 people in southeastern Norway, 68km from the capital, Oslo.

Following the attacks, the police directorate said it had immediately ordered officers nationwide to carry firearms. Norwegian police are normally unarmed but officers have access to guns and rifles when needed.

"This is an extra precaution. The police have no indication so far that there is a change in the national threat level," the directorate said in a statement.

Norway's minister of justice and public security, Monica Maeland, has received updates on the attacks and was closely monitoring the situation, the ministry said.

Police declined to comment on the number of casualties, but said they will investigate whether the attack amounted to an act of terrorism.

"It's natural to consider whether this was an act of terror," Aas told reporters.

Mayor Kari Anne Sand said a crisis team has been assembled, which was "monitoring" the situation and has set up a centre to "safeguard" people who need it.

Reuters / Newshub.