A number of people killed in shooting incident in Plymouth, England

A number of people have been killed in a serious firearms incident in Plymouth, southwest England, on Thursday evening, police said, adding that they believed the situation was contained.

Media reports said five or six people had been killed in the incident and a gunman reportedly shot dead by police. Police did not confirm the number of fatalities.

Devon & Cornwall Police said they were called to the Keyham area of the city at 6.10 p.m. on Thursday.

“There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment,” they said.

Local lawmaker Johnny Mercer said on Twitter: “The incident is not terror related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth.”

“I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth. Please obey all instructions from the police,” Mercer, a member of parliament for the Conservative Party, posted on Twitter.

The incident is not terror related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth. Remain calm. It is for the Police to confirm further details. Do not repost chatter or gossip; work with them. We have the best cops in the land.

— Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 12, 2021

South Western Ambulance Service earlier said it had 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.

This is where we are now tonight: I’ve spoken to the police and they’ve confirmed multiple casualties and people still receiving treatment. Roads remain closed in the area in #keyham.

We should prepare ourselves for more grim news tomorrow. Please look out for one another. pic.twitter.com/TalAtREGJX

— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) August 12, 2021

British Home Secretary Priti Patel called the incident “shocking” and that 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.”

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.

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

— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) August 12, 2021

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