Vancouver’s interim police chief Steve Rai has said the death toll has risen to 11 and more could still die following a car-ramming attack.
At least 20 people were injured and 11 have died after a car ploughed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver at 8pm on Saturday.
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver was arrested at the scene, who police say was known to them and mental health professionals before the incident.
He said the man in custody has had “a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health” as he said police remained confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.
Mr Rai called the incident the “darkest day in Vancouver’s history” and said it would be a “watershed moment” for operational changes in the city’s police department.
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney has said the nation was left “shocked, devastated and heartbroken” and cancelled final rallies in Calgary, Richmond and British Columbia ahead of the federal election on Monday.
Key Points
- Death toll rises to 11 and more than 20 injured after car drives through street festival
- 30-year-old man arrested has 'significant history of interactions' with police and healthcare professionals
- Police believe incident was not act of terrorism
- Witness recalls 'lifeless' bodies on the ground after 'heartbreaking' incident
- What is Lapu Lapu Day?
Vancouver Lapu-Lapu festival incident: everything we know so far
20:02
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Bryony Gooch
- A black Audi SUV charged into a crowd of people who had gathered to attend a Lapu-Lapu day festival, celebrating Filipino culture and community, at a school at 8pm on Saturday night.
- Police have said that 11 people have died so far with expectations that the death toll could rise over the next few days and weeks.
- Victims were a mix of male and female, including young people.
- Prime minister Mark Carney has said that more than 20 people were injured.
- Police arrested a man in his thirties at the scene of the crime, who had been apprehended by bystanders.
- He is currently in police custody as the main suspect and is known to police and mental health professionals from previous interactions.
- Police are adamant that the incident was not an act of terrorism.
In pictures: the moment police arrived to the scene after the car-ramming accident in Vancouver
19:36
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Bryony Gooch
What is Lapu Lapu Day?
19:01
,
Bryony Gooch
Lapu Lapu day is a Filipino celebration of Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan, Philippines.
According to the street party’s website, Lapu-Lapu is a considered the first national hero of the Philippines.
He is described as an “enduring symbol of unwavering resistance and indomitable spirit during the Age of Exploration,” and “the first to rise against the tide of Spanish colonisation”.
In pictures: police investigation continues after 'darkest day in Vancouver's history'
18:33
,
Bryony Gooch
Canada PM cancels final election day rallies after Vancouver tragedy
18:17
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Bryony Gooch
Mark Carney has cancelled the final election day rallies in Calgary, Richmond and British Columbia as tragedy hits Vancouver.
The federal elections are due to take place tomorrow.
Justin Trudeau shares condolences following Lapu-Lapu incident
18:01
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Bryony Gooch
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau has shared his condolences following the death of nine people in Vancouver.
“My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims of the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
“I join all Canadians in standing with the Filipino community at this difficult time.”
My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims of the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 27, 2025
I join all Canadians in standing with the Filipino community at this difficult time.
'This has been the darkest day in Vancouver's history' says police chief
17:44
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Bryony Gooch
Police chief Steve Rai reflected on the influence of this incident on Vancouver Police, saying it changed the landscape going forward.
He called the incident the “darkest day in Vancouver's history” and said it would be a “watershed moment” for operational changes.
The news conference has now ended.
Hundreds of police officers working on police investigation
17:41
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Bryony Gooch
A police investigation is ongoing into the Lapu-Lapu festival incident in which 11 people have been killed.
Police chief Steve Rai said more than 100 police officers were working on the case.
He said in a police conference: “They have been providing comfort to the injured, interviewing eyewitnesses and collecting key pieces of evidence from throughout the crime scene.”
Victims include young people, both male and female
17:38
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Bryony Gooch
Police chief Steve Rai gave further details about the victims, as 11 people have been confirmed dead.
He said there are both male and female victims, and young people.
He added that he can't give further details on ages but calls it a “tragedy all around for many families”.
Black Audi SUV drove into large crowd of 'hundreds' of festivalgoers
17:35
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Bryony Gooch
Acting police chief Steve Rai has said that there were hundreds of festivalgoers still attending the Lapu-Lapu festival which took place at a high school.
Thousands of people were expected to attend the festival throughout the day.
While the event was wrapping up at 8pm when the event took place, it is understood that hundreds of people remained at the festival when the incident took place.
Carney: families ‘living a nightmare’ after car kills nine at Vancouver festiva
17:31
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Bryony Gooch
Person in custody has 'significant history of interactions' with police and healthcare professionals
17:30
,
Bryony Gooch
Interim police chief Steve Rai has said that the man in police custody has “a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.
“I am unable to publicly identify the person who is in custody because charges have not yet been laid.
“Homicide investigators are currently presenting evidence to Crown Counsel, which is the independent authority in British Columbia to lay criminal charges.
“We will provide additional information once the charge approval process is complete.”
Death toll rises to 11, says police chief
17:28
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Bryony Gooch
Interim police chief Steve Rai has said there are 11 confirmed fatalities with dozens more injured.
He said in a press conference: “There are now 11 confirmed fatalities.
“We believe dozens more are injured more seriously, and the number of dead could rise in a matter of days or weeks.”
Mapped: Where in Vancouver the Lapu-Lapu attack happened
17:17
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Bryony Gooch
Man was taken into custody by people in crowd, says police chief
17:01
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Bryony Gooch
Interim Vancouver police chief Steve Rai has said that a man was taken into custody by people in the crowd before police arrived to arrest him.
A 30-year-old man was apprehended by bystanders.
Video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie with his back against a chain-link fence, alongside a security guard and surrounded by bystanders screaming and swearing at him.
"I'm sorry," the man said in the footage, holding his hand to his head.
Mr Rai declined to comment on the video but said the person in custody was a “lone male” who was “known to police in certain circumstances”.
Police giving press conference shortly
16:56
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Bryony Gooch
Vancouver Police will give an update following last night's incident. The press conference will begin in the next five minutes.
'A joyous celebration of Filipino culture ended in loss of life', says Governor General
16:31
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Bryony Gooch
Governor general Mary Simon and her husband extended their “deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of the victims of the “tragic attack” that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
“A joyous celebration of Filipino culture, community and heritage ended in loss of life and serious injuries as a result of a horrific act.
“I also want to express my gratitude to all the first responders who rushed to the scene of the incident; your courage, dedication, and swift action in the face of such devastation are deeply appreciated.”
UK foreign minister 'shocked and sadfdened' by Vancouver incident
16:43
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Bryony Gooch
David Lammy, Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival last night.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones.”
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival last night. Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 27, 2025
Leader of Canada's New Democratic Party attended Lapu-Lapu event
16:19
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Bryony Gooch
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, was among the attendees at the event, but left minutes before the vehicle arrived, he told reporters.
"We don't know the motives, we don't know any of the details, but ultimately this is something that targeted the Filipino community," he said.
"I was there, and I just imagined the faces of the kids I saw smiling and dancing. It's horrific," he said.
French president Macron expresses solidarity with Canadians and the Filipino community
16:16
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Bryony Gooch
French president Emmanual Macron expressed his condolences following the Lapu-Lapu festival car-ramming attack.
He said on X: “Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 27, 2025
Vancouver Mayor 'shocked and deeply saddened' by incident at Lapu Lapu Day festival
16:02
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Bryony Gooch
Mayor of Vancouver Ken Sim has released a statement following a car incident in the city which has killed nine people.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.
“We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time @VancouverPD have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time @VancouverPD have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries. Our thoughts are with…
— Mayor Ken Sim (@KenSimCity) April 27, 2025
The driver, arrested at the scene, was 'known' to police
15:44
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Bryony Gooch
Police have said that the 30-year-old Vancouver man they arrested at the scene of the crime was “known”. to them
"At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism," Vancouver police said in an X post.
WATCH: Canadian PM says families ‘living a nightmare’ after car kills nine at festival
15:31
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Bryony Gooch
Man arrested and nine dead after car ploughs into crowd at a Vancouver street festival. Here’s what we know
15:24
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Bryony Gooch
For those joining us just now, here is what we know about the incident in Vancouver where a car ploughed into a crowd of people.
- Nine people are dead after a car ploughed into a crowded street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday evening.
- More than 20 people were also injured in the mass casualty incident at an event organized by the local Filipino community.
- While Canadian authorities say they are “confident” that it was “not an act of terrorism,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said they are “monitoring the situation closely.”
Olivia O’Connell reports here with more information for you.
More than 20 injured and nine dead says PM Carney
15:19
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Bryony Gooch
Prime minister Mark Carney said he was “shocked, devastated and heartbroken” as he spoke out about the incident at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.
He said that nine people were killed and more than 20 were injured in what he described as a “car ramming attack”
PM giving statement now
15:10
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Athena Stavrou
The Canadian prime minister is currently giving a statement.
Mark Carney is speaking at a press conference from city of Hamilton in Ontario.
He said officials do not believe there is currently an active threat.
Canadian PM to speak shortly
14:53
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Athena Stavrou
We are expecting the Canadian prime minister to give a statement shortly.
Mark Carney will speak at a press conference from city of Hamilton in Ontario.
There will also be a police press conference later in the day.
Full report: King and Queen pay tribute to victims of ‘dreadful attack’ after car kills nine in Vancouver
14:43
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Alex Croft
King Charles has said he was “profoundly saddened” after nine people were killed when a car drove into a crowd of people in Vancouver.
Festivalgoers were attending a street party celebrating the Filipino Lapu Lapu Day on Saturday night, when a black SUV ploughed into the crowd at 8:14pm, police said. Authorities arrested a 30-year-old man at the scene.
Read the full report here:
All we know so far about the Vancouver car incident
14:29
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Alex Croft
If you’re just joining us now, here’s everything we know about the car incident in Vancouver which killed nine:
- At 8:14pm on Saturday, a vehicle drove into a crowd of people attending a street party to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day in Canada’s third most populous city.
- Lapu Lapu day is a Filipino celebration of Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan, Philippines.
- Canadian Police have said they are “confident” that the fatal incident at a street festival on Saturday night “was not an act of terrorism”.
- The force has now identified the suspect who was arrested at the scene as a 30-year-old man from Vancouver.
- Vancouver Coastal Health, the regional health authority for the city, has confirmed a “code orange” mass casualty event according to The Canadian Press.
- A news conference will be held at 10am local time (6pm BST).
- Canada’s Liberal Party has said it will delay its election campaign movements on Sunday morning following the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu festival, a party official has said. The country goes to the polls for a general election on Monday.
- Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said: “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
King Charles extends 'deepest possible sympathy'
13:59
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Alex Croft
King Charles has said he was “profoundly saddened” to learn of the incident in Vancouver, extending his “deepest possible sympathy”.
Charles, who is the King of Canada, said: “Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.”
The King’s message following this weekend’s tragic events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/Q0FBAC3APe
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 27, 2025
Full report: Vancouver police rule out terrorism after car ploughs into crowd killing nine Filipino festival-goers
13:50
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Alex Croft
At least nine people have been killed after a car was driven into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, Canadian police said.
Vancouver Police said "multiple others" were injured as a driver struck pedestrians at the annual Lapu Lapu festival on Saturday evening.
The crash was being treated as a "mass casualty incident", the police said.
Authorities have not yet said whether the incident was deliberate. Vancouver police wrote on X late on Saturday: “At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism.”
A 30-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody, Mr Rai said. He confirmed only one vehicle and one suspect were involved, with more details expected to be released soon.
Stuti Mishra with the full report:
'My daughter was shaking', recalls witness
13:35
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Alex Croft
Carayn Nulada said she pulled her granddaughter and grandson off the street and used her body to shield them from the SUV which ploughed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu festival.
Her daughter suffered a narrow escape, she said.
"The car hit her arm and she fell down, but she got up, looking for us because she is scared," said Ms Nulada, who described children screaming, and pale-faced victims lying on the ground or wedged under vehicles.
"I saw people running and my daughter was shaking."
Ms Nulada was in Vancouver General Hospital's emergency room early Sunday morning, trying to find news about her brother, who was run down in the attack and suffered multiple broken bones.
Doctors identified him by presenting the family with his wedding ring in a pill bottle and said he was stable but would be facing surgery.
News conference to be held at 10am local time (6pm BST)
13:09
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Alex Croft
Police will hold a news conference at 10am local time (6pm BST), according to the Globe and Mail newspaper.
Vancouver Kensington MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) Mable Elmore will join the conference, it added.
We’ll bring you all updates on this blog.
British foreign secretary 'shocked and saddened' by incident
12:56
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Alex Croft
British foreign secretary David Lammy has said he is “deeply saddened” by the incident in Vancouver.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival last night,” Mr Lammy wrote on X.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones.”
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival last night. Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 27, 2025
Philippine president 'shattered' after hearing of incident
12:40
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Alex Croft
Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr, better known as Bongbong Marcos, said he was "shattered to hear about the terrible incident" in Vancouver.
Mr Marcos said the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver was working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
Mass casualty event declared by regional health authority
12:21
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Alex Croft
Vancouver Coastal Health, the regional health authority for the city, has confirmed a “code orange” mass casualty event according to The Canadian Press.
Set by the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services, the code is put into place when extra support is needed to respond to a large scale health event. The colour indicates the type of event, rather than how serious it is.
Canada’s Liberal Party delays election campaign activities
12:12
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Alex Croft
Canada’s Liberal Party has said it will delay its election campaign movements on Sunday morning following the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu festival, a party official has said.
The country is heading to the polls on Monday, for a general election which may see a tight race between tight race between prime minister Mark Carney's Liberals and Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives.
Latest pictures from the scene
12:01
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Alex Croft
Here are some of the latest pictures from the scene coming through on the wires:
Witness recalls 'lifeless bodies' on the ground after 'heartbreaking' incident
11:41
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Alex Croft
James Cruzat, a Vancouver business owner, was at the event and heard a car rev its engine and then "a loud noise, like a loud bang" that he initially thought might be a gunshot.
"We saw people on the road crying, others were like running, shouting, or even screaming, asking for help. So we tried to go there just to check what was really actually happening until we found some bodies on the ground. Others were lifeless, others like, you know, injured," Mr Cruzat said.
"It was terrible to see that kind of incident, that situation. It was heartbreaking," Mr Cruzat added. "I couldn't even imagine that it's actually happening in real life, because normally we see that on TVs or movies.
“But when you are in that kind of situation, it was really shocking. You couldn't do anything but to pray for them."
Nine dead, police confirm
11:16
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Athena Stavrou
Vancouver Police have now confirmed nine people have died after a car ploughed into a crowd at a street festival.
Posting an update to social media, the force said: “As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival.
Who has been arrested?
11:07
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Athena Stavrou
Police said they were investigating a mass casualty incident and had arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene.
At a midnight press conference, police said that the suspect was "known" to them but did not elaborate.
The man was initially taken into custody by people at the scene.
What is Lapu Lapu Day?
10:18
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Athena Stavrou
Several people have died after a car crashed into a crowd at a Lapu Lapu day street party.
Lapu Lapu day is a Filipino celebration of Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan, Philippines.
According to the street party’s website, Lapu-Lapu is a considered the first national hero of the Philippines.
He is described as an “enduring symbol of unwavering resistance and indomitable spirit during the Age of Exploration,” and “the first to rise against the tide of Spanish colonisation”.
Where did the incident happen?
10:02
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Athena Stavrou
The incident happened at a Lapu Lapu street party in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The driver drove into a crowd at a the festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser street.
The map below shows where the street party was taking place, according to the organiser’s website.
Police believe incident was not act of terrorism
09:47
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Athena Stavrou
Canadian Police have said they are “confident” that the fatal incident at a street festival on Saturday night “was not an act of terrorism”.
Canadian politicians react to incident
09:38
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Athena Stavrou
Canadian political figures are reacting to the fatal incident at a street festival in Vancouver on Saturday incident.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party who was at the festival earlier in the day, said: "As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families - and Vancouver's Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience."
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre said: "My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack. Thank-you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more."
David Eby, the premier of British Columbia, the province where Vancouver is located, said he was shocked and heartbroken. "We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed," he added.
Watch: Police at scene of Vancouver street festival crash after car ploughs into crowd leaving multiple people dead
09:17
,
Athena Stavrou
Vancouver mayor 'shocked' at 'horrific' incident
09:02
,
Athena Stavrou
Vancouver mayor Ken Sim said in a statement on X that he was "shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event".
"Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."
Festival food truck owner describes aftermath of incident
08:44
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Athena Stavrou
“I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev," Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of food truck Bao Buns, said in an interview with Postmedia.
“I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and theres just bodies everywhere,” said Vardeh, as his voice broke.
“He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle.”
Police issue update
08:29
,
Athena Stavrou
Vancouver Police have just issued a further statement after the incident on Saturday evening.
The force have now identified the suspect who was arrested at the scene as a 30-year-old man from Vancouver.
It added: “The investigation is ongoing and is being led the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section.”
Nature of incident unclear
07:58
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Athena Stavrou
It is not yet known whether the incident at Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening was an accident or deliberate.
Canadian police said the driver of a car which ploughed into a crowd was in custody, but did not add any more detail on the nature of the incident.
PM makes statement
07:41
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Athena Stavrou
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has released a statement after the incident in Vancouver on Saturday evening.
He said he was monitoring the situation closely and added: ““I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver.
“We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”
Full story: Multiple people dead after car ploughs into crowd at Vancouver street festival
07:39
,
Athena Stavrou
A number of people have been killed after a car was driven into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, Canadian police said.
The driver, who struck multiple pedestrians at the annual Lapu Lapu festival on Saturday evening, has been taken into custody.
Vancouver Police said "multiple others" were injured in the incident but did not confirm an exact toll.
Read the full story: