Five killed, over a dozen injured in shooting at Poland’s Krakow market square

At least five people were killed and more than a dozen injured after a gunman opened fire from a car in Krakow’s Main Market Square in southern Poland on Saturday afternoon, police said. The suspect was shot by officers during the police response and taken to hospital.

The shooting occurred at around 3 pm local time (2 pm GMT), when a man drove into the busy square and fired at random people from his vehicle, according to the Malopolska Police. Police officers were among those injured in the attack.

The Main Market Square is one of Krakow’s major tourist attractions. The city, Poland’s second-largest, is located around 250 km from the capital, Warsaw.

Police shoot suspect during response

In a statement, the Malopolska Police said the gunman had entered the square in a car before opening fire at people indiscriminately. Officers responded to the incident and shot the suspect, who was subsequently taken to hospital.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, while police launched an operation in the area. The authorities were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the exact number of people injured was being established.

The identity of the suspect and the motive behind the attack had not been disclosed. Police had also not provided details about the condition of those injured.

Polish prime minister says police probing attack

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was being kept informed by the interior minister about the situation in Krakow. In a post on social media, he described the incident as a tragic shooting and said police were investigating its background and all the circumstances.

The authorities have not yet established what prompted the gunman to open fire. Further details about the victims and the suspect were also awaited as the investigation continued.