Four feared dead in festive market shooting

A SUSPECTED extremist was on the run after a shooting which was reported to have left four people dead near a Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg.

It is also believed that the Strasbourg home of the 29-yearold suspect was searched by police after a robbery yesterday morning, but he was not there. A French television station said grenades were found.

French authorities have launched a terror investigation into the shootings, which left several people injured with some in a serious condition last night.

The gunman has been identified, has a criminal record and, according to the prefect of the Strasbourg region, had been flagged as a suspected extremist.

It is reported he was injured after an exchange of gunfire with a soldier.

The suspect 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.

The European Parliament, two miles from the city centre, was in lockdown. French President Emmanuel Macron adjourned a meeting at the presidential palace to monitor the events.

Some British and Irish MEPs were caught up in the security operation. Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Linda McAvan, tweeted: “European Parliament on lock down. I and my staff are safe in the building.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “shocked and saddened” by the “terrible” attack.