A man attacked and wounded six people at the Gare du Nord train station in Paris on Wednesday morning, leaving one with serious injuries, French authorities said.

The man was arrested by police at the station, which is one of the busiest in Europe and a major link between Paris, London and the north of Europe, after they opened fire and wounded him, local police said.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told reporters the man attacked travelers with what looked like a home-made weapon at 06:42 CET (05:42 GMT) at the entrance and inside the station.

Asked about possible terrorist motives, Darmanin said a criminal investigation had been opened but that so far no investigation for terrorism had been opened.

Police secured the area following the attack. Radio franceinfo, quoting rail operator SNCF, said trains were operating normally.