French police on Tuesday killed a man suspected of stabbing five people in the southern port city of Marseille.

The assailant, a Tunisian national with legal status in France, stabbed several people at a hotel that had just evicted him for non-payment, then attacked others on a busy shopping street.

Prosecutors stated that the man attempted to randomly strike individuals without any apparent motive.

Among his victims was his roommate who suffered critical injuries.

The attacker also injured the hotel manager and his son, both of whom are expected to recover from their wounds.

In addition, he assaulted at least two bystanders with a baton and knives during his violent rampage on the crowded street.

Witnesses reported that he shouted incoherent statements, but authorities determined that there was no evidence to suggest involvement by France's anti-terror unit.

Police responded to the scene armed with tasers and automatic weapons and ordered him to drop his weapons.

When the assailant refused, they neutralized him, resulting in his death despite efforts to resuscitate him.

An investigation has been initiated into attempted murder as well as the attempted murder of a police officer.

In light of the incident, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to visit Marseille's police headquarters on Tuesday evening.

The area where the attack occurred, near the port, has been known for its drug-related crime and is home to several notorious street consumption spots of cocaine.