A 12-year-old girl was seriously injured in Bochum in the early hours of Monday after attacking police officers with two knives, prompting them to fire their weapons, authorities have confirmed.

Police in Essen said officers were called to a block of flats in Bochum at around 12.30am following reports that a missing girl might be inside. The girl, who has German and Serbian nationality, had run away from a care home and relies on vital medication which she had not taken for an extended period. A carer had last seen her the previous day before reporting her missing.

The flat belonged to the girl's mother, who is deaf and no longer has custody of her daughter, who is also deaf and has significant health needs. When officers arrived, noises could be heard inside but no one initially opened the door, prompting them to call a locksmith. Before the locksmith arrived, the mother opened the door at around 1.30am.

During the subsequent check of the property, officers encountered the girl, who allegedly approached them brandishing two knives. According to initial reports, the officers simultaneously deployed a Taser and their service weapon to stop the attack.

The girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.

The Essen police homicide unit has taken over the investigation under the direction of the public prosecutor's office.