Four women and two men were killed in a shooting in Krakow, Poland, while a police officer who confronted the gunman remained in a critical condition in hospital.
At least 15 people, including two police officers, were injured when shots were fired in Krakow’s Main Market Square at around 3pm local time.
The suspected gunman, a 24-year-old Polish citizen, allegedly fired a military-style rifle at random from a car in the market. He was wounded in a shootout with police shortly afterwards and taken to hospital for surgery.
One officer was shot three times and remained in a ‘very critical condition’ while undergoing surgery. The second injured officer was not thought to have suffered serious injuries.
An air ambulance landed in the square after the attack, while a large police presence remained across Poland’s second-largest city into the evening.
Footage showed a police officer approaching a person believed to be the shooter. The man was wearing military-style green fatigues, including what appeared to be a helmet and body armour, and was lying on the ground.
The officer appeared to fire up to six shots before later being filmed collapsed on the ground.
Police said the suspect had begun ‘firing at random people from his car’ before armed officers shot and arrested him.
Footage shows a police officer approaching a person believed to be the shooter, who is dressed in military-style green fatigues, and firing up to six shots – the officer was also injured in the exchange
Images from the scene show the alleged gunman in military-style fatigues – the weapon, a rifle, lies on the ground nearby
Images from the scene show a helmet and body armour as the alleged gunman was arrested
Six people have been killed and 15 injured, initial figures from emergency services suggest
Police examine a vehicle after starting an investigation into the fatal shooting
Emergency services are seen at the site of the mass shooting in Poland on Saturday
A shop window in Krakow, Poland, was peppered with bullets during the attack
Police and the fire service are seen near Krakow’s Main Market Square after the shooting
Officers found weapons and ammunition inside the suspect’s car. It was not immediately clear whether they had been legally held.
‘According to information from police officers, the man was wearing military-style attire,’ a police spokesman told reporters.
‘During the arrest, officers used their weapons, but the man returned fire; as a result, two police officers are among the injured.’
Police said the gunman had acted alone and that the public was no longer in danger.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said one of the officers had suffered three gunshot wounds as he praised the emergency services.
‘Police officers in Krakow risked their lives to intervene immediately. Thanks to their heroic actions, the attacker was quickly apprehended,’ he said.
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Distressing footage shared online appeared to show several people lying on the ground as the shooting continued. Passersby could be seen trying to help the wounded and perform CPR.
Other videos showed people running for safety and sheltering inside nearby shops as gunfire echoed around the square.
During the attack, the gunman also fired at a passing tram, shattering the driver’s cab window, operator MPK said. Nobody on board was injured.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was being kept informed as police began investigating the shooting.
‘I am being kept informed by the Minister of the Interior about the situation in Kraków following the tragic shooting,’ he said.
‘The police are investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack.’
He later added: ‘My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic attack in Kraków. My highest praise for the heroic police officers who risked their lives.’
‘And a heartfelt appeal to politicians of all stripes: do not exploit this tragedy. We will establish all the circumstances of this crime.’
People inside a shop at the site of a shooting near the main market square, as broken glass litters the floor
A member of the city guard runs at the site of a shooting near the main market square of Krakow, Poland
A shop window is shattered after a deadly shooting on November 7 in Krakow
Police cars at the scene of the shooting in Poland’s second-largest city
An air ambulance is pictured in the main market square after a gunman opened fire
Emergency services speak to people at the scene of the shooting in the square in Krakow, Poland
A woman is seen in the immediate aftermath of the shooting in Krakow, Poland on Saturday
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki said he was ‘deeply concerned’ and that his thoughts were with the victims and their families.
He added: ‘I remain in contact with the relevant authorities and expect a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.’
‘The head of the National Security Bureau is on his way to Krakow. The safety of Poles is an absolute priority!’
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński was reported to be travelling to the scene.
Krakow State Fire Service spokesman Captain Hubert CiepÅ‚y initially told local media: ‘Two fatalities in a shooting on the Main Market Square, 10 people injured, including two police officers. According to the police, the perpetrator has been arrested.’
Mass shootings are rare in Poland, although three attacks at schools took place within four days last month, leaving one person dead and children among those injured.
A protest had been scheduled to take place in the area before the shooting.