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A former Mountie is being hailed a hero for reportedly shooting a gunman who went on the rampage inside the Canadian Parliament today.

Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers is being praised by politicians for 'selflessly keeping them safe' following today's terrifying shooting spree, with unconfirmed reports he was the one who took the suspect down.

Veteran Mr Vickers undoubtedly saved lives by bravely taking down the alleged shooter, putting his own safety at risk in doing so.

Canadian media are reporting that he is a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, better known as a Mountie, and that he has held his current position as Sergeant-at-Arms since 2006. Comments on Twitter have widely described him as being 'a Canadian hero'.

(Image: Reuters)

Earlier today a gunman shot a Canadian soldier at the National War Memorial in the city of Ottawa before entering the nearby Parliament Hill building where further shots were fired.

A third shooting took place at a shopping mall in the city as police warned people in the area to stay away from windows and rooftops.

Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino is one of the many thanking Mr Vickers's selfless efforts.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "I am safe and profoundly grateful to Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers and our security forces for selfless act of keeping us safe.

"I want to commend the courage and bravery of the first responders on the ground in Ottawa right now."

Canada's Minister of Justice Peter MacKay added his support for Mr Vickers and the others who came to their aid.

He wrote: "To all in Ottawa, stay safe and strong. Thank god for Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers and our Canadian security forces. True heroes."

The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for the safety and security of the Parliament buildings and everyone in them, though it also includes a ceremonial element of carrying the ceremonial gold mace into the House of Commons before every sitting.

Video filmed from inside the Parliament building shows officers rushing down a large marble hallway with handguns held in front of them, before the sound of gunfire and shouting rings out.

In footage from the Globe and Mail, armed police can be seen running down a corridor as they search for the suspect gunman before a volley of shots are heard.

The footage becomes shaky as the cameraman, believed to be a local reporter, rushes for cover behind a pillar.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was safe and had left the area.

Cabinet minister Tony Clement tweeted that at least 30 shots were fired during a meeting with Mr Harper and other MPs.

"I feared this day would come, and my prayers are with the fallen soldier," he added.

Follow live updates into the ongoing incident, and reaction to it, here.