The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Terror as gunmen in deadly rampage
Passersby run for cover as assailants open fire at German shopping centre – on the fifth anniversary of Norwegian attack that left 77 dead
A STATE of emergency was declared in Munich as police hunted three gunmen who killed at least nine people in a shopping mall shooting rampage.
Right-wing extremists were believed to be behind the atrocity – on the fifth anniversary of neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik’s massacre of 77 people in Norway.
Members of Germany’s elite anti-terrorism force were sent to the scene of last night’s shooting.
North-east electrician David Scott, who was in Munich when the attack started, said sirens were blaring, helicopters flying around and people were hiding behind pillars.
Nine people have been killed and an unknown number injured in a shopping centre shooting in Munich, police said.
At least three gunmen were believed to be on the run after multiple shots were fired on Hanauer Street before the attack moved to the Olympia Einkaufszentrum shopping centre in the south German city at about 6pm on Friday.
Unverified video footage appeared to show a man opening fire at people outside a McDonald’s restaurant near to the shopping centre.
The sound of multiple shots being fired can be heard as shoppers and passersby run for cover. People were seen fleeing from the building in another video posted on social media.
Police confirmed that there had been nine deaths and an unknown number of injuries. They were checking to see whether theninthpersonconfirmed dead was one of the attackers.
Police urging people to avoid public places and said that they could not confirm if there were other crime scenes apart from Hanauer Street. The force also tweeted: “Please don’t take fotos or video of police action in order to avoid any helpful information for the suspects.”
Police responded to the attack in large numbers. Dozens of vehicles were seen lining the street outside the shopping centre, and a number of armed officers and a helicopter were at the scene.
A cordon was put in place and the area was evacuated.
Rail travel and public transport in the city has been stoppedandMunich’s central station has been closed, according to local media.
Drivers have been urged to clear the motorways aroundMunich, and nightclubs in the city remained closed, local media said.
Refuge has been offered to people stranded around the city via social media, under the hashtag #OffeneTur – or #OpenDoor – inviting people to stay if they are unable to get home.
Facebook’s Safety Check feature has also been activated so that people can let friends and family know that they are safe.
The shopping centre in the northern part of Munich is not far from the city’s Olympic stadium in the Moosach district of the Bavarian capital.
British nationals in Germany are being advised to comply with instructions from local authorities.
A British Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are urgently seeking further information following the ongoing incident in Munich. We are in touch with the relevant authorities.”
“Witnesses said there were three different people with weapons”
Munich Police previously said in a statement: “At around ten to six today there were witnesses who called the police and said there was a shooting at the Hanauer Street. The shooting moved from that street to the shopping centre. The witnesses said there were three different people with weapons.”
The attack took place on the fifth anniversary of the lone wolf terrorist attacks by Anders Behring Breivik in Norway in which 77 people were killed.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: “I am shocked and appalled by the terrible attack unfolding this evening in Munich, and the loss of life.
“My thoughts are with those injured and the families of those killed.
“We stand ready to assist our friends in Germany.
Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Shocking news from Munich – my thoughts are with the people of the city at this time.”
US president Barack Obamasaid: “Our hearts go out to those who may have been injured.
He said it was a “good reminder” that people’s “way of life, our freedoms, our ability to go about our business everyday” was dependent on law enforcement.