Ten people have died – including one suspected gunman – after a mass shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, police have confirmed.
Eleven others have been injured in the attack, including two police officers, while searches of the area continue amid reports of a number of suspicious items in the area.
Terrified locals reported hearing “up to 50” gunshots in the Campbell Parade area, according to reports.
New South Wales Police force warned members of the public to take shelter as they responded to the developing situation.
“Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area,” the force said. “Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand.”
They later confirmed two people had been taken into custody, but said the police operation is still ongoing.
The force added: “Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.”
Horrifying footage shared on social media appears to show two shooters firing from a bridge at a beach carpark, while members of the public can be heard screaming.
Later footage appeared to show two suspects pinned to the ground by police, with shot gun cartridges littered on the floor.
A spokesperson for New South Wales Ambulance confirmed 13 casualties had been taken to hospital.
“We were called to the scene around 6.45pm [local time] to reports of multiple people shot at Bondi Beach.
“We have got more than 40 resources there including helicopter and road crews and have treated multiple patients at the scene. We have so far transported 13 patients to various hospitals in Sydney.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry told Sky News that the shooting happened at an event at the beach celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which began at sundown.
“This is the Jewish community at its best coming together to mark a happy occasion. If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it’s something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It’s a horrific thing,” he said, adding his media adviser had been wounded in the attack.
The Australian prime minister has said emergency services are “on the ground working to save lives”.
Describing the scenes in Bondi beach as “shocking and distressing”, Anthony Albanese said: “My thoughts are with every person affected.”
Shabana Mahmood said she would speak with her Australian counterpart later on Sunday about the incident on Bondi Beach.
The Home secretary told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show: “I’ve just seen the breaking news as I’ve arrived into the studio here this morning.
“I can fully understand the anxiety this might be causing people here at home about relatives over in Australia, but first and foremost, our thoughts must be with the victims of this attack in Australia and with with the Australian people as well.
“We will obviously watch closely as details emerge of what exactly has happened, and I’ll be talking to my Australian counterpart later on today.”
More follows on this breaking news story…
