NINE people have been killed and an unknown number injured in a shopping centre shooting in Munich, German police said. At least three gunmen were still on the run last night after multiple shots were fired on Hanauer Street before the attack moved to the Olympia Einkaufszentrum shopping centre in the south German city at about 6pm on Friday.
Unverified video footage appeared to show a man firing at people outside a McDonald’s restaurant near to the shopping centre. The sound of multiple shots being fired can be heard as shoppers and passers-by run for cover. People were seen fleeing from the building in another video posted on social media.
Munich police confirmed on Twitter that there had been nine deaths and an unknown number of injuries. Police were urging people to avoid public places and said that they could not confirm if there were other crime scenes apart from Hanauer Street.
Police responded to the attack in large numbers. Dozens of vehicles could be seen lining the street outside the shopping centre, and a number of armed officers and a helicopter were at the scene.
A cordon was put in place and the area was evacuated.
Rail travel and public transport in the city was stopped and Munich’s central station closed, according to local media.
Drivers were urged to clear the motorways around Munich, and nightclubs in the city were to remain closed last night, local media said.
Refuge was offered to people stranded around the city via social media, under the hashtag #OffeneTur – or #OpenDoor – inviting people to stay if they are unable to get home.
Facebook’s Safety Check feature was also activated so that people could let friends and family know that they were safe.
The shopping centre in the northern part of Munich is not far from the city’s Olympic stadium, in the Moosach district of the Bavarian capital.
British nationals in Germany were being advised to comply with instructions from local authorities.
A British Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are urgently seeking further information following the ongoing incident in Munich. We are in touch with the relevant authorities.”
Munich Police previously said in a statement: “At around ten to six today there were witnesses who called the police and said there was a shooting at the Hanauer Street.
“The shooting moved from that street to the shopping centre. The witnesses said there were three different people with weapons.”
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Twitter: “Deeply shocked & saddened by #Munich shootings. My thoughts are w/ the victims, their loved ones & all #Germany at this time.” Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Shocking news from Munich – my thoughts are with the people of the city at this time.”
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