A gunman is on the run after shooting four people dead this evening.

Officers are hunting for the suspect, 29, after the incident in Strasbourg, where 11 people were injured.

Stephane Morisse from the FGP Police union, said authorities went to the alleged assailant’s residence earlier today to arrest him but the man, who is suspected of ties to radicalism, wasn’t there.

Morisse says police found explosive materials at the home.


Police rushed to the scene near a Christmas market in Place Kleber, Strasbourg, following reports of gunfire (Picture: AFP)

Police said the suspected gunman was known to authorities and was on France’s ‘S’ watchlist of suspected extremists.

French and German authorities have strengthened checks on the border, which is near Strasbourg.

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Police rushed to the scene near a Christmas market in Place Kleber at around 7pm, following reports of gunfire.



Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said at least four people have been killed in the shooting and seven more are in critical condition.

Soldiers patrolling the area as part of regular anti-terror operations exchanged fire with the gunman earlier and injured him, but could not stop him escaping the scene, police sources said.

Police said officers later exchanged gunfire with the suspect as he fled.

Videos taken show a woman screaming and others running for cover.

Witness Peter Fritz said he tried to help a Thai tourist lying on the ground with an apparent head wound after hearing ‘two distinct noises’ which he initially took to be firecrackers.

The gunman is still said to be on the run in the area (Picture: AFP)

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters that the gunman has been identified, and had a police record for common crime (Picture: AFP)

He said at least four people have been killed in the shooting and 11 had been injured – with seven in critical condition (PIcture: AFP)

He warned the public to ‘remain indoors’ amid `serious security event’ in the city (Picture: PA)

Videos taken show a woman screaming and others running for cover (Picture: PA)

He told the BBC: ‘We tried our best to resuscitate him, we applied CPR, we dragged him into a restaurant close by and had help with some medical people from Germany, but it took more than 45 minutes for an ambulance to appear.

‘After 45 minutes we were told over the phone by an emergency doctor that any further efforts would be futile. He’s still here in this restaurant but we have abandoned all hope for him.

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‘His wife is also still here in a state of shock.’

Local journalist Bruno Poussard said that there had been a dozen shots fired.

A source at the prosecutor’s office said the motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear.

French prosecutors say a terror investigation has been opened into the shooting and President Emmanuel Macron’s office says he is being kept informed.

A source at the prosecutor’s office said the motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear (Picture: PA)

Police officer secures a street and the surrounding area (Picture: Reuters)

A French emergency vehicle enters the shooting site (Picture: EPA)

People stand on the streets after gun fires ring through the centre (Picture: PA)

Sinn Fein politician Martina Anderson, a Member of the European Parliament representing Northern Ireland, tweeted: ‘We were in the centre of Strasbourg town when gun shots went off’ (Picture: EPA)

Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, wrote on Twitter: ‘The police informed me tonight of a shooting in Strasbourg with possibly one victim and several wounded.

‘The perpetrator is still on the run.

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‘This is a serious incident and I advise all staff and visitors to stay at home or indoors for the moment.’

Deputy mayor Alain Fontanel said: ‘Shooting in Strasbourg’s city centre. Thanks to all for staying at home until the situation has been clarified.’

Sinn Fein politician Martina Anderson, a Member of the European Parliament representing Northern Ireland, tweeted: ‘We were in the centre of Strasbourg town when gun shots went off.’

She added: ‘My thoughts & prayers with all who are injured.’

Prime minister Theresa May said: ‘Shocked and saddened by the terrible attack in Strasbourg. My thoughts are with all of those affected and with the French people.’