Villeurbanne attack: One dead and nine wounded after knife rampage near Lyon

One person has been killed and nine others wounded in a suspected knife attack in the French city of Villeurbanne near Lyon.

French police are hunting for at least one suspect following the incident. while there is a heavy police presence at a crime scene in the city.

An official with the Lyon regional administration told The Associated Press that one suspected assailant was detained and at least one other suspect in the attack on Saturday was on the run.

The official said the motive for the violence in the suburb of Villeurbanne was unknown.

Emergency services at the scene (AFP/Getty Images)

The loose suspect was believed to be in possession of a metal spike used to roast meat.

Motivations behind the suspected attack, which was reported to have taken place around 2.30pm GMT, were not clearly established, the source added.

The conditions of the other victims has not been confirmed.

Local police unions said it was too soon to know of any reason to suspect terror.