German police backed by helicopters are hunting a homeless man in the Black Forest, who is reportedly armed with pistols and a bow and arrows.

The manhunt was launched on Sunday in Oppenau, south-west Germany, about 25km (16 miles) from the French border. Media reports say Yves Rausch, 31, wearing camouflage gear, disarmed four police officers on Sunday after threatening them with a pistol.

Police have warned the public and aircraft to avoid the area. The police warning says « Beware!… The wanted man has several guns! » Local drivers have been warned against picking up hitch-hikers.

Earlier a police spokesman said the suspect had appeared co-operative on Sunday, after police tracked him down, but then « suddenly he pulled out his pistol and aimed at the officers ». « They were totally stunned, » he said, and « they had no chance to react to the dangerous situation. » The suspect is known to the police for previous offences, including illegal possession of firearms, AFP news agency reports.
Some reports have nicknamed him « Rambo » after the fictional, violent Vietnam war veteran who goes on the run from US police.