BERLIN (AP) -- German police say an unidentified man has fired two shots inside a church before locking himself up alone in the building.

Police in the western German city of Siegen say the man appears to have suicidal intentions.

Police cordoned off the area Sunday afternoon and told residents living nearby to stay in their houses and away from windows facing the Nikolai Church.

They said a church employee was threatened by the man but managed to escape, leaving the attacker by himself inside the building.

Police declined to divulge further details, citing the ongoing operation.