A shooting that killed eight people in a restaurant in an eastern Czech town today was not a "terrorist act", Interior Minister Milan Chovanec has said.

A man shot dead eight people in a restaurant in the town of Uhersky Brod today and then killed himself, according to officials.

"We can say this was not a terrorist act. The person who committed this was a local citizen over 60 years of age," Mr Chovanec said.

Mr Chovanec said eight people had been killed in the shooting and that the gunman had died, without giving further information.

While local mayor Patrik Kuncar said he had taken his own life.

The mayor described the gunman as a resident of the town aged in his 60s, saying he had possible mental health issues.

Mr Kuncar said around 25 shots were heard in the Droujba ("Friendship") restaurant in the town centre while around 20 customers were inside.

Police said several people had also been wounded, including a woman hospitalised in a critical condition.

"I'm rattled by this event. I never would have imagined something like this happening here, in a restaurant that I know well," Mr Kuncar told state television.

Mr Chovanec flew to the scene of the attack along with police commander Tomas Tuhy.



Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said in a statement: "I am shocked by the tragic attack that happened today in Uhersky Brod. I would like to express my deepest sorrow and condolences to the families and relatives of the victims."

Police described it as the worst mass shooting incident on record.

Candles have been left outside the restaurant as a tribute to the victims.