Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has shared an emotional message after yesterday's horrific school shooting.
Nine people are confirmed to have died in the shooting, which took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia yesterday afternoon.
The shooter, who has so far only been identified as a 'woman in a dress', targeted the school and a nearby home before her body was also discovered from a self-inflicted wound.
With a further 25 people said to have been injured, the shooting has become the worst in Canada since the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989, when 14 female students were killed.
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Speaking at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the 60-year-old PM reflected on a 'difficult day' for Tumbler Ridge and Canada.
"Parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love," Carney said.
"The nation mourns with you. Canada stands by you."
"We will get through this," Carney continued. "But right now it is a time to come together, like Canadians do in these terrible situations. To support each other, to mourn together and to grow together."
King Charles III, who is Canada's head of state, also spoke out to condemn the 'senseless act of brutal violence' which took place yesterday.
He said: "My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
"We can only express our deepest possible sympathy to the families who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their loved ones and those still awaiting news from hospital. In such a closely connected town, every child's name will be known and every family will be a neighbour.
"We can only begin to imagine the appalling shadow that has now descended across Tumbler Ridge and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so shattered by this senseless act of brutal violence.
"I very much wish to thank the town's police and staff at the health centre for their courage as first responders, and all those across British Columbia who have helped in every way they have.
"In sending our most heartfelt condolences, my wife and I stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians as they seek understanding, healing and strength."
A student who was forced to barricade himself inside a classroom for two hours has also shared the moment he realised the shooting was serious.
James Moorhouse