A British national is among six people who were shot dead in Krakow on Saturday by a gunman authorities believe was inspired by far-right ideologies.
Poland’s defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the horrific attack in the city’s main market square as an “act of terror”.
Following the attack, the bodies of two women and a man were later discovered at the suspect’s home.
Police said the gunman drove into the Krakow’s historic quarter and began randomly firing at people, killing four women and two men. One is a British citizen, and at least three of the women are Polish, authorities said.
At least 16 people were also injured, including another British national.
The suspect, a 25-year-old Polish man, was shot and detained by armed officers during a gunfight which left one officer critically injured.
Later on Saturday, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk announced the discovery of three bodies at the home of the suspect almost 100 miles from Krakow. They were likely the man’s family members, Mr Tusk said.
The Polish interior minister Marcin Kierwinski said the attacker held “very radical views” and “was fascinated by far-right ideologies”.
In a press conference, Polish police commander-in-chief Marek Boron said: “There are 16 people injured including two police officers and the perpetrator himself – 11 of those are Polish citizens, five citizens of foreign countries.
“There are six fatalities, four women and two men – three Polish persons, one citizen of Great Britain and two persons who are not yet identified.”
“We are undertaking activities at the place where the perpetrator lived, so I think we will know more what those investigations bring.”
As it emerged that a British citizen was among the dead, prime minister Andy Burnham paid tribute to the victims of the attack.
Mr Burnham said: “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Krakow today.
“My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence. The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland.”
The gunman opened fire in Krakow’s Main Square, in the centre of the old town, at around 3.30pm with an automatic weapon.
Police said the suspect wore military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest, and used a military-type long gun.
After being subdued by police, he was taken to hospital for surgery.
Krakow mayor Łukasz Gibała said the city will be in official mourning until Wednesday. He vowed that Krakow will remain open to visitors despite the tragedy. “The square will belong to us again,” Gibała said in a video posted to X.
Videos posted on social media by witnesses show people running away from the square to take cover on small streets nearby, as well as first responders trying to resuscitate victims.
In one video, a police officer was seen repeatedly shooting the attacker, who was lying on the street, only to later slowly collapse himself to the ground.
The FCDO is advising British nationals in Krakow to “follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media”.
In a statement, foreign secretary Ed Miliband said: “The UK Government deeply mourns the British national and other victims who have died after the appalling attack in Krakow.
“All of my deepest condolences go to the families of the victims. The UK stands resolutely in solidarity with the people of Poland.”
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