A teenager has been arrested in Sweden on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was stabbed at a school in Esl？v.

       Police were called to a secondary school in the southern town on Thursday to reports of a knife attack.

       The injured man, who is in his 40s and a school employee, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

       "Police have arrested a suspected offender outside the school," a police statement said. "There are no reports of any other person being injured."

       The male suspect is reported to be 15-years-old and has been detained by police on suspicion of "attempted murder". An officer also fired a weapon during the operation, a spokesperson confirmed.

       Swedish media have reported that the attacker carried a long knife, wore a skeleton mask, a helmet and what looked like a bulletproof vest. The motive of the attack is unclear.

       A 15-year-old boy has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder.Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency via AP

       The school has been cordoned off as police continue their investigation, and authorities are working to interview witnesses.

       A nearby sports field is being used as a collection point for students and staff who had fled the school at the time of the incident.

       "Thanks to a quick intervention, we were able to prevent further injuries," said Anna-Karin Boije, Chief of the Esl？v local police force.

       "The school and its staff and students have acted in an exemplary manner, which contributed to no further injuries."

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       Major incidents at schools are relatively rare in Sweden. In October 2015, three people were killed in a racially motivated attack at a school in Troll？ttan.

       The 21-year-old attacker had targeted people of foreign origin and was killed by the police.