One person was killed and seven people have been injured in a shooting and stabbing attack at Beersheva's central bus station in southern Israel.

According to Israeli media, a soldier was shot dead by an attacker who then used the victim’s rifle to shoot and wound six others, including four policemen.

One of the casualties was seriously injured, according to Magen David Adom.

The attacker, who was was armed with a handgun and knife, was shot dead by security forces, police said.

A second man was shot and killed by security forces but he is believed to be an Eritrean immigrant not involved in the attack.

The victims were treated at the scene and evacuated to a local hospital.

Shimon Zaguri, head of volunteer medical organisation Zaka in Beersheva said the scene resembled a battlefield with wounded everywhere.