PARIS, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A man was shot dead by police in the southeastern French city of Marseille on Tuesday afternoon after stabbing at least five people in a hotel, French media reported. One of the victims is in critical condition.

The suspect was shot several times by police in front of a restaurant in the city center, where the incident took place.

He is believed to be a Tunisian national with legal residency in France and was reportedly known to local intelligence services. The motive for the attack remains unclear, according to BFMTV. ■