Several dead in Plymouth shootings

Critical incident declared

Several people are dead and a number of others others injured in a shooting in Plymouth.

A critical incident has been declared after shots were heard in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of the city around 6.10 p.m. on Thursday.

Drake Circus, Plymouth's main shopping area, has been evacuated, as has a large area around the scene.

Home secretary Priti Patel has Tweeted: "The incident in Plymouth is shocking and my thoughts are with those affected." 

It is believed the incident centres around a block of flats. Police say the area has been cordoned off and that the situation is contained.

On social media, Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard (Labour) said: "this looks like a very grim day" for the city.

South Western Ambulance Service say they responded "with a significant number of resources, including Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics"

Earlier the Devon and Cornwall Police press office website crashed, and the service didn't update social media. But individual officers have asked that anyone with images or video send them directly to the police service.

The key reliable informed source in the early hours following the event were the city's two MPs.

Plymouth Moor View MP Jonny Mercer, who is also  government minister said that "the incident is not terror related and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth." He asks for people to remain calm.

Earlier he said the situation "is very serious indeed....Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers."

At least three air ambulances have attended, and some reports say a fourth has been at the scene.

Around 9.30 p.m. police sources confirmed the incident. They said"" We are appealing to the public not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else."

Tweet 2 of 4
There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment.
A critical incident has been declared.
The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained. pic.twitter.com/4oRCTNh0Mx

— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) August 12, 2021