At least three people have died after an armed man opened fire in Plymouth.
Sources warn the number of dead may rise and that “multiple fatalities” are feared. The gunman is understood to be dead, multiple sources said.
A massive response by police, including armed officers and paramedics, followed the shooting on Thursday just outside the centre of Plymouth in south-western England.
The atrocity is initially being classed as a domestic incident, and it is not thought to be related to terrorism. In a statement Devon and Cornwall police said: “Police were called to a serious firearms incident in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of Plymouth at about 6.10pm.
“There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment. A critical incident has been declared.
“We are appealing to the public not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else.”
A number of police vehicles are on the scene. Several roads have been closed and police have urged the public to avoid the area.
The home secretary, Priti Patel, called the incident “shocking” and tweeted that her thoughts were with those affected.
“I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs.”
Johnny Mercer, the Tory MP for Plymouth Moor View, wrote on Twitter: “I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth. Please obey all instructions from the police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media.
The MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, Luke Pollard, said it was “a very grim day for our city and our community”. He added that he was awaiting confirmation of the number of victims.
He later added: “The incident is not terror related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth. Remain calm.”
One area of investigation for police will be the motive for the shootings. Another will be whether the man who opened fire had a licence to hold a weapon and whether he should have had. Also under investigation is whether the man had any prior contact with police or the authorities.
South West ambulance service tweeted: “We responded to the incident with a significant number of resources, including hazardous area response teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics.”
Pollard, the shadow environment secretary, had earlier tweeted: “Really worrying news coming out of Keyham in #plymouth. Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.
“I’ve spoken to some local residents and the police and the situation looks very serious indeed. Please avoid speculation and please do not share images of any victims. Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the shadow home secretary tweeted: “Truly terrible news. Thinking of the families and friends of those who have died and those injured.”
The local football team Plymouth Argyle tweeted: “Our hearts go out to victims of tonight’s tragic incident in our city, alongside their families, friends, and the wider Plymouth community.”
Gun laws in the United Kingdom are strict with those wanting a gun having to meet stringent conditions meant to detect those who may use them for criminal purposes and deny them a lethal weapon.
They were tightened after the Dunblane massacre in 1996 when a man who legally owned a firearm burst into a school and opened fire on children and teachers.