Four killed in Strasbourg shooting as gunman flees

A suspected extremist is on the run after a shooting which left four people dead near a Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg.

French authorities have launched a terror investigation into the shooting, which left several others injured, some seriously.

The 29-year-old alleged gunman, named locally as Charif Chekatt, has a criminal record and, according to the prefect of the Strasbourg region, was known by the security services as a suspected extremist.

Stephane Morisse from the FGP Police union told The Associated Press that authorities went to the alleged gunman’s Strasbourg home earlier yesterday to arrest him, but he was not there. Grenades were found.

The suspect was shot and injured by soldiers guarding the Christmas market, but he escaped.

He was said to have entered central Strasbourg via the Corbeau bridge to the south of the city centre, before heading to Rue des Orfevres, a popular shopping street close to the cathedral, where he opened fire.

There were unconfirmed reports of people being injured in several streets south of Place Kleber in central Strasbourg.

It is thought he may then have headed south of the city centre to the Neudorf or Place de l’Etoile area, where people were advised to stay indoors.

The European Parliament, which is about two miles away from the city centre, was in lockdown, but its president said legislative sessions would continue for the rest of the week despite the attack.

Antonio Tajani said that the legislature “will not be intimidated by terrorist or criminal attacks”.

Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted: “Shocked and saddened by the terrible attack in Strasbourg. My thoughts are with all of those affected and with the French people.”

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson and three members of her staff were among the crowds enjoying the Christmas market at Place Kleber when they heard the shots.

She told the Press Association: “I heard the first shot and thought it was fireworks, I didn’t initially think shots, then there was another one.

“We were running in the other direction, telling people to run back and get back.”

Picture: AP. Police at the scene of the murders in Strasbourg last night.