A "serious firearms incident" in UK's Plymouth resulted in six fatalities, the suspected gunman among them, Devon & Cornwall Police confirmed on Thursday.
"Following attendance at the scene, two females and two males were deceased at the scene. A further male, believed to be the offender, was also deceased at the scene. All are believed to have died from gunshot wounds", the police revealed. "Another female treated at the scene for gunshot wounds, died a short time later in hospital."
The situation is said to have been contained, with the area cordoned off and roads closed. The public is urged to avoid the area, as an investigation into the killings continues. Road network disruption in Keyham was said to remain throughout the night.
Authorities stressed that the incident is not terrorism-related.
Earlier, the police declared "a critical incident", announcing "a number of fatalities" and saying that the situation was contained.
Before that, South Western Ambulance Service stated that it was responding to the Plymouth incident.
"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", the ambulance service tweeted.
Local media reported that eyewitnesses heard "loud bangs" and "gun shots" in the area near St Levan's Road in North Prospect.
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted her reaction to the reacted to the incident.
"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", she tweeted. "I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs."
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said earlier that he was awaiting confirmation on the number of victims, noting that "this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community".
He also urged the public to "stay indoors" and follow police recommendations.
Videos allegedly showing air ambulance helicopters landing in Plymouth after the reports of the incident emerged online. According to Plymouth Live, two air ambulances landed in Keyham Park field.
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