“serious and tragic” incident where a number of people were thought to have lost their lives was reported on Thursday night in Plymouth.
A “significant number” of emergency service vehicles and staff were sent to the scene in the Keyham area of the City. Around three air ambulances were seen around St Levan’s Road just after 6pm.
“Loud bangs” and “gun shots” were reportedly heard by eyewitnesses. There have been unconfirmed reports of a number of fatalities.
Local MP Luke Pollard has said he is awaiting news on the “number of victims” in what he described as a “very grim day for our city and our community”.
Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View, Johnny Mercer, said the incident was “not terror related.”
He wrote: “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.”
Earlier on Twitter he said: “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.”
Local Labour MP Luke Pollard tweeted: “Really worrying news coming out of Keyham in #plymouth. Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.”
Later he added: “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.”
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.”
Witnesses were describing the scene on Thursday night.
Dan Baker told the Standard: “I’ve been indoors whilst the incident has unfolded. I saw the police helicopters flying overhead. There have been a number of police helicopters flying overhead for the past couple of hours, and the roads around me are closed with a police presence. Police advice is to stay indoors, so people are awaiting any updates.”
Earlier he tweeted: “Apparently there’s a mass shooting that’s happened in Plymouth, about 5 mins from my front door. Very much not the type of thing that happens in Plymouth. Really hoping the things I’m seeing reported aren’t true – stay safe, neighbours.
“If you are in Keyham, Ham, North Prospect or Stoke…STAY INDOORS. Possible active shooter on the loose. Stay safe, kids.”
It 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.”
Devon and Cornwall Police have also been contacted for more information.