At least nine people have been killed in a shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach.
Two men opened fire in the attack at the tourist hotspot, police said. One alleged gunman has been confirmed dead in addition to the nine victims, while the other alleged gunman is in a critical condition, officers said.
An additional 11 people – including two police officers – are reported to be injured.
Sky News has seen footage showing people lying on the ground and others fleeing amid the sound of gunfire.
Authorities are urging people to steer clear of the area.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident is “shocking and distressing” and that emergency services are on the scene working to save lives.
Police said the number of casualties is expected to change and urged people to avoid the area.
We persist in our call for people to steer clear of the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines,” New South Wales police said on social media.
A view of Bondi Beach, where a shooting has been reported. Pic: X/Marcos Vinicius
“I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere,” 30-year-old local Harry Wilson, who witnessed the shooting, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Information about who carried out the attack or a possible motive – including if the incident is terrorism – has not been confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade around 6.45pm local time after reports of shots being fired.
Specialist officers are examining a number of suspicious items located in the vicinity and have established an exclusion zone, according to police.
Emergency services are located near Bondi Beach. Pic: Sky News Australia
An event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah is believed to have been going on nearby. It is not clear if this incident is linked to the attack.
Locals and tourists typically crowd Bondi, one of the world’s most famous beaches, especially on warm weekend evenings. It is currently the summer in Australia.
Sky News correspondent Nicole Johnston, in Sydney, said she has seen some of the graphic video that is now circulating on social media.
“It is graphic and it is shocking. You can see two men, active shooters, firing from a pedestrian bridge right at Bondi Beach,” she tells Sky News.
“There’s also video of injured people on the ground. They’re receiving medical treatment. There is blood on the ground. So clearly there have been sort of at least a number of injured people there.”
Sky News has not yet been able to verify the video circulating on social media.
New South Wales police also warned people against sharing unconfirmed rumours, asking people to follow for official updates.
