A man attacked several children in Zurich on Tuesday, injuring three, before being arrested, police in Switzerland's biggest city said.

"Shortly after 12:00pm (1000 GMT), the Zurich city police were informed of a violent crime on Berninastrasse. Three children were injured," a brief statement said.

"A suspect was arrested in connection with this crime. There is no longer any danger to the public."

The statement said the man "attacked several children".

The incident took place in the north of the city.

Neither the circumstances, the identity of the alleged attacker nor the severity of the childrens' injuries were immediately known. Police said more information would be issued later.