Several people have been killed after a shooting in Keyham in Plymouth, police have confirmed.
A critical incident has been declared and police say they believe the situation has been "contained".
The incident is not thought to be terror related, and a number of other casualties are receiving treatment.
Video from Snapchat of several air ambulances landed in Keyham, Plymouth. MPs have described it as a “serious and tragic incident”.
— Matthew Thompson (@mattuthompson) August 12, 2021
No more concrete information than that at the moment. pic.twitter.com/AOYaoAYIb4
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “Police were called to a serious firearms incident in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of Plymouth at around 6.10pm today.
“Officers and ambulance staff attended. There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment.
“A critical incident has been declared. The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained.
“Road closures are in place so please avoid the area.
“We are appealing to the public not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else.”
We were called at 18:12 to an ongoing incident in Plymouth.
— South Western Ambulance Service (@swasFT) August 12, 2021
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.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/17xZs7LsTm
Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer advised the public to remain calm, adding that the suspect is not "on the run".
He said: "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."
The update came after his initial post, which read: “I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth.
“Please obey all instructions from the Police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media.
“I will post news when I have it.”
I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth. Please obey all instructions from the Police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media. I will post news when I have it.
— Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 12, 2021
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Local Labour MP Luke Pollard added: “Really worrying news coming out of Keyham in #plymouth. Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.”
He later wrote: “Update: awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community.
"Please can I ask that you think of the families and our community and not share any images or videos of any of the victims. #keyham”
South Western Ambulance Service tweeted: “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.
“We will provide an update here in due course.”
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