It has been confirmed that 12 people are dead after a shooting at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach. Police at the scene have said that one of the dead is a gunman, with another in police custody in critical condition.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the scenes as 'shocking and distressing' as New South Wales (NSW) Police urge the public to avoid the area.
There are multiple other people injured, with two police officers also shot and injured during the incident. Police have confirmed there is no active threat to the public.
With emergency services called at about 6:45pm local time in Australia, the force previously said two shooters had been 'neutralised', while there is an exclusion zone established and specialised equipment brought in to clear the area of suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
To mark the first day of the Jewish celebration, a Hanukkah event was taking place on Bondi Beach at the time. It has now been confirmed by authorities that the attack was a terror incident.
Having asked those in the area to 'take shelter', the police operation is ongoing, and NSW Police says: "Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines."
A previous statement from NSW Police reads: "A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.
“Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition. At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.”
A further statement adds: "Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers, and an exclusion zone is in place. A multi-agency response is continuing.
“An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now under way. There have been no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.”
A spokesperson for New South Wales Ambulance said: "We were called to the scene around 6.45pm to reports of multiple people shot at Bondi Beach.
“We have got more than 40 resources there including helicopter and road crews and have treated multiple patients at the scene.
“We have so far transported 13 patients to various hospitals in Sydney.”
The Australian PM said in a statement: "The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
"I just have spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the NSW Premier. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police."
Featured Image Credit: George Chan/Getty Images
Jess Battison