‘Serious and tragic incident unfolding’ in Plymouth
Gunman kills five in Plymouth before shooting himself dead: Victims of rampage ‘include suspect’s mother, a toddler and random members of the public’ – but it is NOT terror-related
Emergency crews have been called to a ‘serious and tragic’ incident in Keyham, New Prospect, PlymouthAround three air ambulances and Hazardous Area Response Unit (HART),raced to the scene this eveningWitnesses in the area have described hearing ‘loud bangs’ and ‘gun shots’ in Biddick Drive just after 6pm
At least five people have been killed after a gunman went on the rampage in Plymouth tonight before turning his weapon on himself.
Armed police, the Hazardous Area Response Unit (HART), National Police Air Service and around three air ambulances raced to the scene of the ‘serious and tragic incident’ in North Prospect following reports of ‘loud bangs’ and ‘gun shots’ in Biddick Drive just after 6pm.
Several of the shooter’s relatives, including his mother, and unconnected members of the public are believed to be among the dead, with witnesses claiming a toddler had also been killed.
Police confirmed there were ‘a number of fatalities at the scene’, with other people left injured and needing treatment following the bloodbath.
The area has now been cordoned off and the situation is ‘contained’, the force added.
Locals are now being warned to stay indoors as police officers and paramedics attend the incident in the Keyham area tonight, with local Labour MP Luke Pollard describing the shocking scenes as ‘a very grim day for our city and our community.
The incident, which is the first in Britain involving an ‘active shooter’ for 11 years, is ‘not terror related’, Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer has said.
Tonight Home Secretary Priti Patel said: ‘The incident in Plymouth is shocking and my thoughts are with those affected.I have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered my full support.
The Hazardous Area Response Unit (HART), National Police Air Service and around three air ambulances raced to the scene in North Prospect following reports that at least two people had been shot in the area near St Levan’s Road just after 6pm
Around three air ambulances raced to the scene in North Prospect, Plymouth, this evening after ‘serious’ incident began to unfold
Emergency crews were called to the area near St Levan’s Road just after 6pm following reports of a ‘serious’ incident
A nearby school sports centre has been closed down and people are being told to stay indoors by police
‘I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs.’
As the scenes continue to unfold, local Labour MP Luke Pollard tweeted: ‘Really worrying news coming out of Keyham in Plymouth. Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.’
He added: ‘Awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community.
‘Please can I ask that you think of the families and our community and not share any images or videos of any of the victims. #keyham.’
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds tweeted: ‘Truly terrible news. Thinking of the families and friends of those who have died and those injured. Thank you to our remarkable emergency services.
‘I’ve been in contact with local representatives to express my support for the whole community of Plymouth on this awful evening.’
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Police were called to a serious firearms incident in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of Plymouth at around 6.10pm today.
‘Officers and ambulance staff attended. There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment.
‘A critical incident has been declared. The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained. Road closures are in place so please avoid the area.
‘We are appealing to the public not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else. We will provide more information on log number 768 of 12/08/21 as soon as we can.’
Today, footage showed a body covered in a sheet lying on a pavement as an armed policeman stood close by.
Elsewhere, images showed an air ambulance departing the Keyham area as armed officers stood guard.
A cordon remains in place on the road as officer and ambulance crew members remain at the scene
The Hazardous Area Response Unit (HART), National Police Air Service and paramedics are at the scene
A nearby school sports centre has been closed down and people are being told to stay indoors by police.
Cordons have also been put in place around a block of flats to prevent pedestrians accessing the area.
And Drake Circus Shopping Centre in Plymouth has also been evacuated as a precaution.
In a statement South Western Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called at 18.12 to an ongoing incident in Plymouth.
‘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.
‘We will provide an update here in due course.’
Earlier today, Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer said 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. I will post news when I have it.’
The last active shooter incident was the Cumbria shootings on June 2, 2010, when taxi driver Derrick Bird went on the rampage in Whitehaven and the surrounding countryside, killing 12 people and injuring 11.
Other mass killings in the UK since then have involved explosives or knife attacks.
