Britain's worst mass shooting in more than a decade leaves 6 dead, including suspected gunman - The Washington Post

LONDON — Six people, including a suspected gunman, are dead and an investigation is underway following what police called a “serious firearms incident” in the city of Plymouth in England; the mass shooting is Britain’s worst in more than a decade.

Witnesses told local media that the gunman was dressed in black and let off shots inside a house before exiting and heading to the streets. Police from Devon and Cornwall counties said in a statement that two women and three men died at the scene, while another female victim died in a hospital shortly after.

“Devon & Cornwall Police would stress this is not a terrorism related incident,” the statement said.

Officers asked members of the public not to share images of the scene on social media.

British media reported the majority of those shot were strangers to the gunman; and the Times and Daily Mail reported a young child was among those dead.

“My thoughts are with the friends and family of those who lost their lives and with all those affected by the tragic incident in Plymouth last night,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday as he thanked emergency responders.

The shooting, which unfolded Thursday shortly after 6 p.m. local time, sent shock waves through the country.

The United Kingdom has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, including comprehensive background checks that make obtaining a firearm difficult.

Gun crime is relatively low on British soil. The last mass shooting took place in 2010 in West Cumbria, with 12 people losing their lives. Eleven others were injured when a taxi driver opened fire.

In response to a mass shooting in Dunblane, Scotland, in 1996 that killed 16 children under the age of 6 and their teacher, the British government pursued legislative bans on assault rifles and handguns and made it harder for people to obtain other weapons.

The massacre is widely regarded as a dark stain on British history that forced officials to enact more stringent gun laws. It remains the country’s deadliest mass shooting to date.

Criminologists noted that the rampage 11 years ago may have been far more deadly if the gunman had been able to access stronger firepower.

Luke Pollard, a lawmaker for the area of Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, said Thursday’s shooting was “unspeakably awful.”

“Awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community,” he tweeted Thursday.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “The incident in Plymouth is shocking and my thoughts are with those affected.

“I have spoken to the chief constable and offered my full support.

“I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs.”

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