A 28-year-old man from Afghanistan has been arrested following a knife attack in a park in the German city of Aschaffenburg on Wednesday in which two people were killed, including a toddler, police said.

Police identified the suspect as an Afghan man. Politicians gearing up for an election responded with comments about migration and law and order.

Police confirmed that a 28-year-old man from Afghanistan was arrested following the attack in Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg. German reports suggested he had a history of mental health issues. Two others were taken to hospital with serious injuries and the public park was cordoned off by officers.