The flight, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members from Berlin to Milan on Wednesday evening, encountered turbulence due to severe storms in southern Germany.

German police said in a statement on Thursday that nine people were injured, including a crew member, with three taken to hospital in Memmingen for treatment.

A two-year-old was among those injured, suffering bruises. Her mother also sustained a head laceration, according to police.

The other injured people were released after receiving outpatient treatment and all passengers were checked over as a precaution.

The pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria after the turbulence began around 8.30pm.

Ryanair said in a statement the pilot called ahead for medical assistance.

The plane was not allowed to continue flying, with the airline arranging bus transport for passengers.

A replacement flight was also put on for affected passengers on Thursday morning.

According to the German news agency dpa, storms damaged several homes in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg.

In the Donaustetten district, strong winds tore roofs off multiple row houses, rendering them uninhabitable, though no injuries were reported.

Fire officials suspect a small tornado or waterspout caused the damage.

The German Weather Service (DWD) is investigating, according to dpa.

Storm-related emergency calls also came from other areas in southern Germany, where damage was mostly limited to fallen trees and flooded basements.

The DWD warned of further storms Thursday, with hail, strong winds, and localized heavy rain expected.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “FR8 from Berlin to Milan on June 4 diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence.

“The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally.

“To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning.

“We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion.”