Latest: Gunman 'on the run' after several injured in shooting at Zurich mosque

Update 8.57pm: Several people have been wounded in a shooting at a mosque frequented largely by Somali immigrants in Switzerland's largest city, and the suspect remains at large, Zurich police said.

Police and ambulances swarmed to the scene near the city's rail station, blocked off a nearby road, and secured the Islamic Centre.

On Twitter, the Zurich police department said: "Large operation after shooting at mosque in the Eisgasse. Several injured. Perpetrator on the run."

It said the situation was under control and the wounded had been taken to hospital.

There were conflicting news reports about whether the shooting had taken place inside a prayer room itself, or outside.

A Zurich police official said the shooting occurred near the intersection of Militaerstrasse and Eisgasse streets.

Earlier:

A gunman has injured several people in Switzerland's largest city, Zurich.

Police are said to be swarming to the scene, understood to be close to an Islamic centre.

Officials said the gunman is still at large.

Police secure the area in front of the Islamic center, in Zurich. Picture: AP

The SDA news agency reported that the victims were adults who were outside near to an Islamic centre.

Police said is unclear whether the attack had to do anything with the location.

Police told German-language daily Blick that three people had been injured, and the suspect had fled the scene.

Attacks by armed gunmen are rare in Switzerland.