German police say the death toll in a train head-on collision in southern Germany has risen to eight.

Police spokesman Stefan Sonntag said that 150 people were injured in this morning's crash, including 50 severely.

The two trains crashed into each other shortly before 7am on the single line that runs next to the Mangfall river in Bad Aibling, Bavaria - 40 miles south-east of Munich.

One train is reported to have derailed in the accident, with several carriages overturned.

German federal police told reporters that the crash took place "in an inaccessible region" and that rescue personnel are still working to free passengers trapped in the wreckage.

"This is the biggest accident we have had in years in this region and we have many emergency doctors, ambulances and helicopters on the scene," Mr Sonntag said.

The operator of the two trains, Bayerische Oberlandbahn, said on its website that the trains both partially derailed and are wedged into each other.

The operator and federal police in Bavaria have activated phone hotlines for families seeking information.

The statement did not address the cause of the crash, and officials declined to comment on it.