According to various media reports, it is learnt that at least three people were killed and a dozen others injured late on Tuesday night after gunfire erupted near a Christmas market in the center of the French city of Strasbourg, French authorities said.
Strasbourg police said an armed person entered the perimeter of the Christmas market by the Corbeau Bridge, heading toward the Rue des Orfvres.
The suspect then opened fire, police said. Police said they have identified the shooter, who has not been captured.
France has raised its national security threat level to “emergency terror attack” status since the attack.
British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote on Twitter that she was “shocked and saddened” by the “terrible” attack in Strasbourg. “My thoughts are with all of those affected and with the French people,” May tweeted.
Shocked and saddened by the terrible attack in Strasbourg. My thoughts are with all of those affected and with the French people.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) December 11, 2018
The Christmas market will be closed on Wednesday and the flags will be at half-staff, Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries said early Wednesday on his Twitter account. All shows scheduled to be performed at the city’s cultural institutions will also be canceled on Wednesday, the mayor said.