The unborn baby of a woman who was seven months pregnant was among those killed during a mass shooting at a Jehovah's Witness building in the German city of Hamburg.

Police identified the gunman as Philipp F, a 35-year-old German with no prior offences who had been a member of the congregation - but had left 18 months ago with "ill feelings".

Police said they had received conflicting reports as to whether he was excluded or left of his own accord.

They also revealed an anonymous letter had been sent to officers in January saying the attacker should not be allowed to have weapons and that he might be suffering from a mental illness.

The letter also said he was "enraged" with Jehovah's Witnesses and a former employer.

Two police officers visited the gunman's apartment unannounced in February after receiving the anonymous letter to perform a check but found he was "cooperative" and they did not remove his weapon.

Six people and an unborn baby died in the incident, as well as the attacker who took his own life.

Hamburg shooting: Ex-congregation member took his own life after killing six people and unborn baby - police | World News | Sky News