UK police report 'number of fatalities' in Plymouth shooting

[LONDON] Police in England said there had been "a number of fatalities" in a "serious firearms incident" Thursday in the southwestern city of Plymouth.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had declared a "critical incident" in the Keyham area of Plymouth early Thursday evening but that officers believed it was now "contained".

Local lawmaker Johnny Mercer said the shootings were not terror related.

Police 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.

"There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment," police said in a statement.

"A critical incident has been declared. The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained," the force added, asking people not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media.

Details of what unfolded in the city of around 262,000 residents in the sleepy southwest English county Devon remained unclear.

Local MP Mercer urged people to "remain calm" as they awaited updates from police.

"The incident is not terror related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth," he said on Twitter.

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."

'RANDOMLY STARTED SHOOTING'

British media said local residents had reported hearing loud bangs and gunshots before police swamped the area.

Witness Sharron, who did not want to give her full name, told the BBC she had heard shouting followed by several gunshots.

"This was when the shooter kicked in the door of a house and randomly started shooting," she said.

"He ran from the house shooting as he ran and proceeded to shoot at a few people".

South Western Ambulance Service said it had responded to the incident with a significant number of resources, including Hazardous Area Response Teams, air and ground ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics.

Luke Pollard, another local MP, said the situation looked like "a very grim day for our city and our community".

"Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice," he added.

Meanwhile Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said "tragedy has hit Keyham".

"I pay tribute to our emergency services who ran towards events we'd all run from," he added.

Mass casualty shootings are rare in Britain, where most police officers are unarmed, while south-west England - a popular domestic holiday destination - is typically known as a tranquil part of the country.

Plymouth is home to the biggest naval base in western Europe, including nuclear submarines and large warships.

AFP