Multiple people have been shot dead after a gunman opened fire in Plymouth.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing "loud bangs" and "gun shots" in the Keyham area of the city at around 6pm Thursday evening.
One woman said a man kicked down the door of a house and fire before letting off further shots while running down a road.
Local residents are on lockdown as police investigate the scene with cordons in place on nearby roads, as people are barred from going into their homes.
It has been confirmed that five people, and the gunman, were killed during the serious firearms incident while multiple others are being treated for injuries.
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 [Thursday 12 August].
Have you been affected by the incident this evening? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
“Officers and ambulance staff attended," the spokesperson continued. "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.”
Eyewitness Sharron, who lives near the road where the incident unfolded, described the deaths as "horrendous and so sad".
"Firstly, there was shouting, followed by gunshots - three possibly four to begin with," she told the BBC.
"This was when the shooter kicked in the door of a house and randomly started shooting ... He ran from the house shooting as he ran and proceeded to shoot at a few people in the linear park up from the drive."
She said the shooter then continued along the road still firing.
Three air ambulances landed in a park before heading to a nearby hospital, Plymouth Live reported.
The Hazardous Area Response Unit and National Police Air Service also rushed to the scene.
One local MP said that the incident was not terror related.
In a video posted on Twitter, Luke Pollard MP said it was understood "a number of people" had died in the incident.
He said: "The police have not yet released the figures but it is awfully grim I'm afraid."
Mr Pollard thanked the police for their "speedy" response, and for "supporting the community at this really difficult time."
Local residents have reported that armed police were at a block of flats in the Devon city where a large police cordon was in place.
In one video posted to social media an armed officer can be heard telling members of the public to "walk away" from the scene.
One local resident, John, said the first he knew of the incident was when the emergency services arrived at the scene.
"It was just after 6pm. I heard the air ambulance helicopters, and two of them landed in the playing field behind us," he said.
"Then we could hear police cars screeching and we saw armed response officers running up the hill, carrying guns. And loads of ambulances arrived.
"But I didn't hear any gun shots beforehand.
"I went out to check that people were alright, and to ask if there was anything we could do, and the Police Community Support Officers told everyone to get back indoors.
"They also sealed off the area where the incident was happening. The police have been great, to be honest.
"Then we saw the ambulances take people away. It was all over quite quickly."
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth, said earlier: "I've spoken to some local residents and the Police and the situation looks very serious indeed.
"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."
A nearby school sports centre has been told close down with people indoors being ordered to leave.
Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, 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."
South West Ambulance Service said in statement: "We were called at 18:12 to an ongoing incident in Plymouth.
"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.
"Several police officers and paramedics are at the scene this evening."
Tributes have poured in for those who lost their lives in the attack.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "There's much we don't know about the shocking events in Plymouth. However it's clear tragedy has hit Keyham.
"My thoughts are with the families and neighbours of those caught up in this nightmare. I pay tribute to our emergency services who ran towards events we'd all run from."
Plymouth Argyle FC added: 'Our hearts go out to victims of tonight's tragic incident in our city, alongside their families, friends, and the wider Plymouth community.'
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez tweeted from her personal account: “Aware of tonight’s tragic incident in Plymouth.
"Thank you to @dc_police for dealing with the situation. Thoughts with those directly affected and the City of Plymouth tonight. More updates soon.”
Plymouth City Council said an "awful tragedy has happened in our city tonight".
In a tweet, the council said: "While we don't know all of the details, our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible incident."
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: "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."
More to follow.
