Six dead, including suspected gunman in UK shooting

[LONDON] Six people, including the suspected gunman, died on Thursday during or shortly after a "serious firearms incident" in the southwestern English city of Plymouth, police said.

Devon and Cornwall Police declared a "critical incident" in the Keyham area of Plymouth early on Thursday evening following the shooting, but later said it was not being considered terrorism related.

Officers had responded alongside other emergency services, including air ambulance staff, to reports of gunshots in the residential neighbourhood near some of the city's docks.

"Two females and two males were deceased at the scene," the force said in an update early Friday after hours of uncertainty around the incident.

"A further male, believed to be the offender, was also deceased at the scene." Police added another female treated at the scene died a short time later in hospital.

"All are believed to have died from gunshot wounds," the force said.

It was unclear how the victims and suspected perpetrator were connected, with many details of what unfolded in the city of around 262,000 residents in the sleepy south-west English county Devon remaining unclear.

"Police would stress this is not a terrorism related incident," the force added, noting officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

"Investigations are continuing," Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Interior Minister Priti Patel called the incident "shocking" and said her thoughts were "with those affected" but did not reveal further details of what occurred.

"I have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered my full support," she tweeted.

"I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs." -

AFP