A child is reported to be among the six people to have died in a mass shooting in Plymouth yesterday evening.

Devon and Cornwall Police have said three females, two males and a further man believed to be the suspect had died in the Keyham area of the city on Thursday evening.

It is still unclear how many others may have been injured.

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, the area where the shooting took place, has reported that one of the victims was a child under the age of ten.

He said: "I’m utterly devastated that one of the people killed in the Keyham shooting was a child under ten years old."

Mr Pollard also said that there would be 'safe spaces' opened up today for the community, for people to go to for support.

"People are waking up to the grim news that five people and the shooter have died in the Keyham shooting.

"Hearing that one of the dead is a small child is utterly heartbreaking. From 9am today Ford Primary School and local churches will be open as a safe space for the community," he added.

Last night he had urged people to stay indoors and "stay safe" as news began emerging of a gunman in the city.

In a video on Twitter Thursday evening, he thanked the police for their response, describing the news as "awfully grim."

Police have asked any members of the public with mobile phone footage of the immediate aftermath of the incident not to post this on social media platforms and to respect those families who have lost loved ones this evening.

It is a call echoed by Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, after a video of the incident began being shared on social media.

Mr Mercer said: "Do not repost or share this video. It’s not hard: think if it was your mum/dad/brother/sister involved.

"Let’s see the best of our city tonight and think of the heroes in the emergency services dealing with it all and the families affected."

 

It is unclear as yet how many people were injured Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

It is unclear as yet how many people were injured Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

 

Police have stressed that the incident is no terrorism-related and have said they are not looking for anyone else.

See the full statement here:

This morning police officers in white forensic suits can be seen working at the scene, while a coroner’s ambulance was filmed leaving the area.

South Western Ambulance Service has confirmed that it was called just after 6pm on Thursday and responded with a significant number of resources.

 

Six people, including the suspected gunman, died in the incident Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

Six people, including the suspected gunman, died in the incident Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

 

These included Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics.

In a statement issued on Friday, the police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly urged members of the public to stay away from the scene and avoid speculating.

Alison Hernandez said: “My thoughts are with the relatives of the deceased, those injured and the people of Plymouth after this horrendous and tragic incident.

“I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of our blue light services this evening who have done all they can to deal with those directly affected and get the injured the best possible medical care.”

 

Community leaders said it was a dark day for the city Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

Community leaders said it was a dark day for the city Picture: Ben Birchall/PA

 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a statement today to say: "My thoughts are with the friends and family of those who lost their lives and with all those affected by the tragic incident in Plymouth last night.

“I thank the emergency services for their response.”

And 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.”

Andy Berry, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, has paid tribute to the officers responding to the incident. 

He said: “The thoughts of all colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police are with the loved ones of all those killed and affected by this terrible incident in Plymouth.

“As they do every day, our colleagues headed swiftly towards the unknown when the call came in with the intention of keeping people safe and using their life-saving skills to try and prevent any further tragedy. 

“Police officers are not immune to the trauma they sadly witness. As a Federation we will be available for officers in need of welfare support following the aftermath of this terrible incident and would encourage any colleagues to please get in touch should they need it.”