A number of people have reportedly been killed in a horror mass shooting that broke out in a city in Sweden – with police hunting down a man that fled on an electric scooter.
Officers said they recieved multiple calls from members of the public reporting loud bangs near Vaksala Square in Uppsala just after 5pm on Tuesday afternoon. A major police operation has since been activated, with a helicopter circling the scene and cordons in place around Hjalmar Brantingsgatan – a main street in central Uppsala – near Vaksalatorget. The Swedish Transport Administration has halted trains due to the police operation, and it is currently unclear whether the perpetrator has been arrested. Local news outlet Corriere della Sera reports three people have so far been killed, although authorities are yet to confirm an exact number of casualties.
“Several people have been found with injuries consistent with gunshots,” Swedish police said. The area remains cordoned off and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Local resident Henrik Envall, who runs a record store nearby, told Swedish news outlet Exressen that he saw the barriers when he was about to close his store. “To be honest, you start to get used to it, but it’s not pleasant at all”, he said. Another unnamed witness said: “I heard three shots”.
In a statement released shortly after 6pm local time, Swedish Police said: “The police are receiving calls from members of the public who have reportedly heard loud bangs reminiscent of gunfire in close proximity to Vaksala Square in central Uppsala. Several people were found with injuries that indicate gunshot wounds.
“The police are currently unable to provide any further information about the extent of the injuries. The police have cordoned off a large area and several investigative measures are underway at the scene.”
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